Keisha Lopez STATEMENT: Growing up as a first-generation American descendant of a Mexican migrant mother, while living in Tennessee—tethering the state line of Mississippi—was a distinct and formative experience. Known for its mix of soul, poverty, and racism, parts of my cultural and ethnic identity were suppressed and white-washed. I am spending my current body of work to unearth cultural ties within my heritage that cannot be washed away. This involves distinct color palettes, weaving techniques, symbolic textile choices, and a deep-rooted fascination with the emotive power of paint. In the current social climate, the veil has been lifted on before-silenced issues faced on what it truly feels like to be a woman. My work is a series of portraits of myself, those around me, ‘censored’ images from social media platforms, and historical references from the Masters. In an attempt to overcome obstacles in my own life, I paint the figure and then turn into raw painterly chaos filled with emotions that are unable to be put into words. I am painting the inner turmoil bursting out of the collective pores of women felt across generations. My work explores themes of cultural identity, healing, auras, and the sublime. Currently I am studying to become an Art Therapist and maintain a consistent studio practice. my website is www.keishalopez.studio