Roots in Transit

Roots in Transit is a collection of three pieces that range from oil painting to art installation. This project delves into themes of cultural identity, history, liberation, and the immigrant experience. As an international student from Guatemala studying in the US, I’ve had the opportunity to experience what it means not to culturally belong to the place I inhabit, and the struggles this can cause; Through this experience I have also become aware of the beauty of my own country through distance and contemplation. These are the pillars of the project, nostalgic and critical thoughts about my own experiences as an individual.

Roots in Transit is divided into three large-scale pieces that complement one another. Two of them being oil paintings. This media choice was an intentional attempt to invite viewers to engage in a more reflective, introspective interaction with the artworks. The smoothness and thickness of oil paints also bring to life the scenes of each painting, providing atmosphere and texture that bring to life the concepts being explored. My final work is a mix of installation art and stop motion, in which the audience can engage on a personal level by providing a three-dimensional experience that interacts with the other.

Finally, this project is a testament and a celebration of the Latino culture and history. Embracing the pain and the rich culture this has created in our land, and that keeps being shared through cultural exchange, empathy, and curiosity.