Claudia E. Dominguez

Origin

I begin my story by exploring my genesis.

I interviewed my parents about their

childhood and placed the words from their

memories on the edges of the composition.

Several Pre-Columbian groups in Mexico

believe the creator a female and support

that human life comes from the corn.

This piece became an authentic cathartic

moment of understanding where I come

from and how it formed my identity.

(2010) (36 x 48 in)

Malinche

Malinche represents a changing identity.

Malinche was an indigenous slave given to

Cortez, the spanish conquistador, who then

became his translator and lover. She is

considered the mother of all Mexicans, but

her name is now used as an insult. This is

a term used for anyone that values foreign

products and ideas over Mexican ones. By

extension this term is also given to people

that venture outside of Mexican culture.

(2010) (26 x 38 in)

The last time I was Mexican

Mexican society has not come to terms with 

the mixture of European and Indigenous

cultures. The clash between these two

societies created a toxic environment that

led me to believe I had to leave Mexico.

Parting with my family and culture was a

difficult and painful decision for me. With

this piece, I intend for the viewer to share

the anxiety and shock I experienced the

moment I challenged the belief system that

had been given to me. (2011) 48 by 36 in.

Embrace

This piece represents the support and l

love I found while challenging the

identity society  assigned me. As a

child I believed that I deserved love

if I did what I was told, if I was a good

girl. This piece represents my relief in

discovering that I can explore my

own identity and be loved because of

my actions, not in spite of them.

(2010) 26 by 38 in.

The Greatest Battle

As a middle class woman growing up in Mexico I

attended private catholic schools. My education was

westernized with the underlining belief that in order

to succeed I had to become as westernized as

possible. Anything that represented indigenous

Mexican culture was considered to be inferior and if

I wanted to be economically successful, I needed to

stay away from it. I find this ideology damaging and

I had to make a choice.  I either celebrated my

identity as a Mexican woman, meaning mostly

indigenous with little European blood and not fit in

with my friends and family. Or I strived to

westernize myself and loose my indigenous roots.

(2011) 36 by 48 in.

Divine Intervention

Being an artist and following my dreams

is a nontraditional path. Joseph Campbell

states in his book “Hero of a Thousand

Faces”, that once the hero embarks on

her journey she will always find divine

assistance. My personal journey receives

the blessings of Frida Kahlo, great Mexican

artist and fierce re-inventor of her identity,

and Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, the first

Mexican Feminist. (2010) 36×42 in.

 I Dream

While making this piece I felt secure enough

in my identity and artistic ability that I no

longer felt the need to defend  them. I

understand that regardless of the labels we give

each other, we are all simply people.

This as gift that previous heroes, specifically

Feminists and Mexican-American activists, have

given me. This piece is a nod to all that have

supported me as well as a wish that a journey of

self-discovery  can  someday be commonplace,

full of joy and  support from society.

(2012) 36x 48 in.