Alexia is a 16-year-old child of immigrants based in Detroit, Michigan. She is an aspiring artist with an activist-driven focus on issues related to immigration. However, Alexia is often discouraged from pursuing the “fine arts” and making her statement because she feels like her work would never be showcased in a “white cube” setting due to its critical nature.

“In my artwork I critique what is/has been considered American by overlaying fireworks (associated with July 4th/Independence Day) with photos of objects in my home connected to my cultural background that might be perceived as ‘other’.”