Artist Statement

My work examines the trauma and hardships experienced as a trans non-binary person, and conveys both internal and external conflicts to serve as a pathway to regaining self-empowerment. This exploration stands as a testament to the strength and resilience of being a gender non-conforming individual. It is an ode to the unyielding spirit that emerges from adversity, and the challenges I have confronted by simply existing. Embracing this pain is a complex process, therefore it becomes a necessity within my work to celebrate personal joy and euphoria through the unapologetic ownership of my identity. This multifaceted expression of self is not just about survival; it is about thriving in normative spaces. Working within normative spaces can be emotionally and physically limiting for trans artists as these spaces often reinforce cisgender and heteronormative perspectives, leading to discrimination, microaggressions, and a lack of representation. As a trans artist, my feeling of exclusion and isolation is further exacerbated by lack of representation in my surroundings. These constraints hinder the authentic expression of my gender identity and artistic vision, underscoring the urgent need for inclusive and affirming environments where I can truly flourish.

By utilizing the trans body to represent resilience and courage when navigating a world of obstacles set in place by conventional gender norms, the viewer is compelled to confront the ways in which they may consciously or unconsciously contribute to these societal norms. The objective is to inspire self-reflection, fostering an understanding of the collective responsibility in dismantling barriers that hinder gender expression. My work, through its visual and conceptual elements, encourages my general audience to question preconceived notions and assumptions about gender, paving the way for a more inclusive and accepting society. The trans body, in this context, becomes a vehicle for dialogue, awareness and, ultimately, change our understanding of gender identity. I display my conceptual framework through the use of multimedia installations that incorporate the human body, clay, fibers, metal, written word, photography and video projections. The formalities represented in my work are ambiguous and often utilize the theoretical qualities of the abject as a means of challenging societal norms, evoking visceral reactions, and delving into the darker aspects of the human experience.