Dos Vidas

By: Sofia Escalona

Guided by my newfound appreciation for ‘platicas’ as discussed in LSP 2100, I sought to embrace my deepest memories of platicas with my family through my artwork. A ‘platica’, in my home, is characterized by sharing history and childhood memories to a younger generation and in return, requires deep listening and desire to learn. My three pieces are my version of a ‘platica,’ embodying what I wish to pass down to future generations curious about their Mexican heritage. Instead of words, I use brushstrokes to tell my story. 

Through our collaborative exploration of our Mexican-American and Texan identities, Hannia and I deconstruct stereotypes, bridge similarities across our hometowns, and expose the multilayered tapestries of our lives. Our creation of separate artworks with entirely different styles but interwoven with overlapping themes serves as a reminder that the experience of Mexican culture is unique to each individual. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong way to engage with your Mexican identity. 

My first piece depicts a broken piñata in a backyard enclosed by a fence against the backdrop of Houston’s skyline. This artwork symbolizes the tenacity of cultural rituals within the dynamic tapestry of a bustling city. Scattered across the ground are a combination of Mexican candies, adding an additional layer of meaning to the narrative. Although it is hard to stay connected to my culture, being surrounded by people different from me and so far away from my family in Mexico, my home remains a safe place where I can authentically engage with my identity. Further, regardless of how others perceive me or try to define my identity based on my physical appearance, I must remember this image of the fence protecting my identity, memories, and culture from the outside world. This painting serves as a tribute to the continuous need to value and safeguard our cultural identities and reflects the ongoing significance of maintaining cultural rituals.

The lotería piece highlights the challenges I face when trying to maintain connection and tradition across distances from my family in Mexico. Childhood memories of sitting with my Abuelo, enjoying conchas dipped in café, and playing spirited lotería games with my Abuela and Tias inspired me to create this piece. Even though I can no longer engage in these activities with them face-to-face, phone calls have become a means to maintain connection and shared tradition, enabling the endurance of familial bonds across geographical distances.

My third piece honors my treasured ties to my family history with a self-portrait surrounded by pictures of my family, famous places, the outdoors, lyrics, cultural symbols, and reminders of who I am. This series argues that there is no right or wrong way to engage with culture; accepting one’s background is a personal journey. The artwork’s written sentence, “I know who I am y eso es suficiente para mi,” acts as a reminder to cling to my own identity regardless of what other people may think. It emphasizes how much more significant it is to accept oneself than to accept the opinions of others.

Every component of my artwork is a tribute to the depth of my heritage and the value of being true to who you are. By fusing individual artistic expressions, we embrace the mosaic of Mexican-American identity in the heart of Houston and McAllen refuting stereotypes, and honoring the authenticity that makes each story distinctively beautiful. This visual exploration of my identity is a proclamation that I am proud of the vibrant cultural tapestry that defines me.