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Xitlali J. I. Ray
Xitlali J. I. Ray
This photo collection is based upon, my full legal name.
Xitlali Jhuliata Ireri Ray
Xitlali meaning star goddess,
Jhuliata, colorful spirit
Ireri, long life
and Ray in my own way, as i say a sun Ray.
Xitlali J.I. Ray is my chance to show the world who i am without dimming any light of mine.
while also asking the audience to expand their own light in a form of self reflection.
nov. 24 - sept. 2025
Xitlali
Xitlali
My first name Xitlali is from the Nahuatl language meaning 'Star Goddess', when people hear my name they assume its someone else, I've grown up with lots of interracial racism being mixed; from hearing that I'm too white washed, a no sabo kid, or even being called a nopal head, simply because of the color of my skin. The same thing with being mixed with white, my white friends try not to say certain jokes around me, use me as their Mexican friend card, or even just by being plain oblivious to what being mixed is, it feels as though i'll never find a space where i'll be able to be just Xitlali.
But i realized that being Xitlali is enough, and I shouldn't need to prove my worth by speaking a language, dressing a certain way, or choosing one side of my heritage.
Xitlali Ray is a Mexican-American girl, so why do i need to pick a side of who I am to be?
Who do you feel you need to be?
Who are you?
November 2024
Jhuliata
Jhuliata
The name Jhuliata means 'Colorful Spirit'. I've always been known as the "artistic child", putting on the performance of being "perfect" everyday. The name Jhuliata showcases the beauty in performance vs the truth of what it is to perform.
My truth is that i struggle, I struggle everyday, one of those struggles being an addiction to an unhealthy coping mechanism, and its time i show who i truly am.
How do you perform?
What do you struggle with?
sepetember 2025
Addiction
I found myself struggling with self harm since 5th grade this photo collection showcases just how much harm carrying hardships alone can cause. It is so important that we reach out for help when needed. When i tell people that i struggle with this addction, i hear very similar things "oh but your always smiling" ,"but your life seems so happy" (etc.). This project isn't to say I'm perfect. Quite the opposite in fact; This project is to show its okay to not be perfect.
In fact it is Human to be Imperfect.
What makes you Imperfect?
What makes you Human?
September 2025
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Call 800-273-8255
Ireri
Ireri
The name Ireri is passed down from my mom, meaning long life; throughout my life I've walked on eggshells in fear of my physical and mental health. My mother is the bravest and strongest person I know; she has gone through more than one can imagine but she never fails to put her children first. I carry her name as a way to put others first even if I'm struggling myself. When I look in the mirror I see a reflection of her, not just from appearance but from experience I aim to be a reflection of her everyday.
Who do you see in your reflection?
What is your experience?
March 2025
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