"Transparency" (2023)
Opening up to new people is a gradual process—one that unfolds through moments of trust, vulnerability, and mutual exchange. When you finally feel safe enough to share a part of yourself, it's like a door quietly opening. That leap of faith—letting someone in—is a powerful act. Once it’s taken, the quiet question, “Can I tell them?” fades away. You become a listener, a supporter, a safe space. And in that connection, you realize they can be yours, too.
In Transparency, Juliette Dalicano explores the subtle transformation from surface-level acquaintances to deeply known individuals. She reflects on her long-time relationships with Eowyn Andres and Geraldine Perez, whom she met seven years ago. Though they spent their first three years together in close proximity, true connection took time—years of growing comfort, shared experiences, and quiet revelations.
To capture this deepening of understanding, Dalicano projected imagery—symbols, textures, and visuals—onto her subjects. These projections represent her personal perception of their stories, tastes, and identities. While not definitive portraits of who they are in full, the images offer a poetic layer of context, adding emotional depth to their physical presence.
Transparency is about the way people reveal themselves over time—how what’s unseen eventually rises to the surface. Through this work, Dalicano invites viewers to consider what we can and cannot know just by looking—and to honor the beauty of truly seeing someone.
Eowyn Andres has often expressed her love for butterflies—both as an animal and a recurring motif in her art. At first glance, butterflies seemed to match her aesthetic sensibilities: delicate, colorful, and graceful. But as Juliette Dalicano grew closer to Andres, she began to see that the connection went much deeper.
Butterflies—particularly monarchs, known for their arduous two-way migrations—are powerful symbols of endurance and transformation. To Dalicano, they became emblematic of Andres herself. Beyond beauty, she saw resilience. Through this imagery, Dalicano hoped to honor Andres’s quiet strength and perseverance, qualities that have left a lasting impression on her as both an artist and a friend.
In middle school, Juliette Dalicano saw Geraldine Perez as quiet and reserved, someone who kept to herself. Over time, Dalicano has discovered that Perez is much more—vocal when it counts, easy to confide in, and genuinely fun to be around once you get to know her. Through their growing friendship, Perez has shown Dalicano both confidence and kindness.
Dalicano’s portraits focus on Perez’s eyes, capturing her keen powers of observation while symbolizing how Dalicano’s own perspective has broadened—seeing beyond the surface to appreciate who Perez truly is, both as a person and as a friend.
Vulnerability has forged a tight-knit sisterhood between the friends. In the portraits, the projected eye widens, drawing attention to Andres’ gaze, which also fixates intently on the small flower. Rather than conveying exposure under watchful eyes, Dalicano aims to express how their bond creates a safe space—a place where they feel truly seen, supported, and free to be their authentic selves.