Ashley Figueroa

Ashley Figueroa - Curatorial Rationale

Throughout my life, I’ve felt a sort of uncertainty towards myself. I am the daughter of two Hispanics but born in the United States. So consequently my home life and social life differed greatly. I was raised with very traditional values in comparison to those I went to school with who were raised more informally. Being exposed to such differing perspectives lead to internal confusion, to the point I would act one way at home and another at school to fit in. I would constantly adapt to the environment I’ve been put in.

Through my art I hoped to convey the message of these conflicting feelings of mine. I also aimed to shed light on my unique perspective in order to give people a glimpse of what I feel on a day-to-day basis. By incorporating Hispanic and American cultures into my pieces to demonstrate my two backgrounds I am able to give some semblance of an idea of how it feels to be born Hispanic but in America.

In order to display this message, I incorporated the use of color, symbolism, and real-world Hispanic issues in my art. I believe this is a topic not touched on nearly enough and I strived to make it known visually through my pieces. To show the conflicting, confusing, and often lonesome feeling that comes with being a part of two contrasting cultures. But while it can be negative at times I also wished to say that it isn’t all bad. There is beauty in learning and being a part of two different cultures. And once you find your balance, you are granted a unique and gratifying experience.