Graduation Term

2020

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Department

School of Art

Committee Chair

James Mai

Abstract

In my past paintings, I tried to figure out why my subjects had me empathizing with strangers. Looking back on my Mexican-American upbringing, I realized how society and my communal culture are influencing the way I think and process information. So, for this body of work, the physical fragmentation of the figure alludes to a psychological fragmentation. In this case, it is as if the figure cannot withstand the tension and is barely able to remain whole and recognizable. What remains of the person is trying to repair itself. The pressure in my mind is between the values of general society and my family community. I am trying to choose the best traits from the contradicting moralities of each. These two forces are very much alive in my actions in life and affect the way I think in my artwork. Although I was born in both lifestyles, and both are familiar to me, they continue to compete without resolution.

Access Type

Thesis-Open Access

DOI

http://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2020.Castanon.J

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