la licorería local

Maria Montes Arvizu

Last year I included a poem titled storefront in my art reception, Fruit of One’s Labor, showcased at the Cross-Cultural Center here on campus. This poem describes the sensory perspective of a liquor store on a corner, as it witnesses substance abuse and gun violence amongst other things. Providing a visual to this poem adds a layer of meaning as it visualizes experiences and images that people may have no reference for. Furthermore, this project aims to represent the experiences of growing up in spaces often described as "undesirable" and "dangerous." One of my main intentions with this project is to begin a dialogue about the physical aspect of memories by exploring the memories I have associated with a particular location I grew up seeing every day. Memories are fluid and at times not restricted to just an individual perspective. I originally wanted to collaborate with my brother by having a recording of his narration of the poem be heard throughout the gallery. Instead, I include the USPS Priority Mailing label dedicated to him and his memories of the liquor store. Additionally, my work has always discussed topics relating to art and activism. This project is no different as I highlight the material reality resulting from years of disenfranchisement.