bio

I am a Mexican-Iranian American artist from Southern California. I obtained my BFA in painting and drawing at California State University, Fullerton in the spring of 2020 and an MFA from Claremont Graduate University in spring of 2022. Although my main field of study is painting and drawing, I have also dappled in a variety of fields such as sculpture, glass work, metal work, jewelry, ceramics, and installation. My current body of work focuses around my cultural identity by fusing my two backgrounds together through the use of repetition, pattern, and design.

 

My work forms and grows out of my cultural identity. It addresses my internal struggle of what it means to be a biracial woman of color. The need to reveal the cultural significance behind my work as something more than just a stereotype that is depicted within American culture is where I develop my creative passion. Compartmentalizing cultural groups are safe havens for people experiencing discrimination or racial stereotyping, but they are not a safe space for biracial or multiracial individuals like myself to turn to when we are experiencing hateful and degrading comments.

 

The constant need to fully represent both cultures while also addressing the hateful and degrading comments about not being a true American is the reason why I focus my work on beauty rather than ugliness. By fusing my cultural backgrounds together rather than compartmentalizing them, I am able to fully accept and rightfully reclaim my own cultural standing by dismantling the unrealistic standards through my work. My practice grants

me the opportunity to portray to the outside world how I see myself. I want my work to one day be seen as a normalized occurrence that is accepted in society. Regardless of whether or not any culture accepts me for who I am, my goal is for the viewer to see the connections that can be made within cultures instead of focusing on the differences. Once they do, they will be able to indulge in an enriching experience; the beautiful blending of many cultures.