América

Artist Tina Gutierrez presents América, an ongoing photographic series on the diversity and majesty of Hispanic women in the Americas.

 

Artist Tina Gutierrez presents América, an ongoing photographic series on the diversity and majesty of Hispanic women in the Americas. The terms “Hispanic” and “Latino/a” (as well as Lantinx and Latin@)* originally coined for marketing purposes, have evolved into concepts that influence myriad aspects of those so categorized lives. América aims to interject into this dialogue by showcasing the beauty and strength behind these identities, dismantling stereotypes, and promoting understanding.

América pays homage to the portraiture tradition, using the portrait as a storytelling tool in the lineage of Frida Kahlo or Diego Velázquez, exploring psychology, identity, and societal roles of the portrayed subject. This series seeks to empower and humanize Latina women by portraying them as dignified and multifaceted individuals; counteracting images in the media that stereotype Latinx as lazy, overly sexy, promiscuous, or criminal. In subverting these tropes, this project fosters cultural appreciation, and explores the rich tapestry of Hispanic heritage. 

Interviews made before, during, and/or after the photoshoots reveal a broad range of identities, family experiences, and generational traumas. By imagining these experiences (things like loss of land, spouse, home, life) through a lens of strength and resilience, the artist invites viewers to engage in a collective journey of healing, reconciliation, and empowerment. By collaborating with the women who serve as subjects and including their voices and stories in the project, it becomes a platform for dialogue and empowerment, allowing these women to reclaim their narratives and challenge prevailing stereotypes.  This approach hopes to facilitate social change and promote inclusivity. 

As a response to current technological trends and an exploration of the theme “backstory” the artist chose to embrace artificial intelligence in generating the wild and mysterious backdrops featured in each portrait. This innovative approach reflects the artist's desire to create a visual narrative that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, inviting viewers to consider the interconnectedness of past, present, and future. Also appearing in the picture plane with the women are animals or other natural objects: these highlight the (sometimes interrogated) feminine connection with nature, nurture, and creation. Through the use of regal attire, nature symbolism, and timeless settings, the images emphasize the strength, beauty, and potential interconnectedness of these women. Combining AI with thoughtful costume design and symbolic elements within each portrait, the collaboration between subject and artist transports viewers to a world that is both familiar and otherworldly. This infusion of magical realism serves as a visual metaphor for the richness and complexity of the subjects’ lives. It challenges viewers to question their own perceptions of reality and invites them to engage with the deeper, often hidden, narratives that shape the lives of Hispanic and Latina/Latinx women in America.

*Through this proposal and exhibition, these terms will alternatingly be used to represent the diverse ways in which individuals choose to identify. 

 

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