SELF PORTRAIT PROJECT COLLAGE: Frances Martinez

 

Frances Martinez, Darkness v. Light, 2024

Wangechi Mutu, Forensic Forms, 2004

Frida Kahlo, Marxism Will Give Health to the Sick, 1954

I decided to emphasize my project on sexuality and identity and the impact that society can have. The view one can have of themselves can be changed and influenced from the expectations of society, family, and environment. I wanted to highlight the darkness that comes with being afraid to be yourself and how society can brainwash certain mentalities that can make it hard to see clearly and even think for yourself, along with the light of breaking through that barrier of societal expectations and not letting it come in the way of your morals and identity. I also wanted to touch on the fear of speaking out and appearing a certain way for society, and breaking free from the judgement one might feel.

Contemporary art has a huge influence on identity, cultural, and societal norms. It helps us reflect and mold our cultural values, along with changing our perceptions within our own life and creating art that all can relate to. Contemporary media has influenced how people see themselves and others within our society because of its controversial and unapologetic approach on capturing the rawness and realness of life. Dada and surrealism also have a significant part in contemporary art and have broken barriers when it comes to self-expression and creating things that are difficult to talk about. "Dadaism was iconoclastic and confrontational; Surrealism was anti-bourgeois and bizarre."

Mutu and Khalo both inspired my artwork. Mutu used collages in a distorted and provoking way described as " gorgeously grotesque creatures that range from amusingly freakish to macabre". Khalo's piece on Marxism also inspired me because of the political view her piece has behind pain and peace. Khalo dealt with pain her whole life and showed resilience and strength. “People have described her as broken and fragile, but she was strong and accomplished a tremendous amount in her lifetime.” My artwork is a mix of collage and mixed media and expresses my sexuality and identity and all the conflict, darkness, light, and peace that comes behind it.