DVAA Member since 2023

Itzel Aguilar

website: itzelaguilar.com 

About:

ITZEL AGUILAR (1988. Georgetown, U.S.A.) is a first generation Mexican-American artist born and raised in Delaware whose practice emphasizes the intersectionality between her Mexican/Indigenous ancestry, mental health experiences as well as her healing journey through painting, illustration and mixed media. Her recent works provoke the viewer to see beyond shadow, texture and color to look further beyond the surface level.

You can find her work on IG @hun.ixchel

Artist Statement:

(Te-) Ánima
Te is the Nahuatl prefix of a non-specific, human object.
Ánima is the Spanish word for soul.
Thus, someone’s soul.
My work in progress dives into the ongoing research of the book “The Natural History of the soul in Ancient Mexico” and the many layers of how the Mexica’s viewed the soul through different representations. Yolia is one term the Nahuatl used to describe the soul. As I am still continuing to dissect my reading, I decided to start combining my own deep rooted experiences while observing and learning Mexico City’s culture into my work. The contemporary nature of the city and its bright palette, allowed me to explore materials, colors and paper cutting. My objective is to share how the soul is transparent yet sometimes hidden.
As memories start to resurface, I find myself asking questions of what if and why me? In the end, I always trust spirit to guide me towards my happiness even when moments in time feel unsightly and uncomfortable during the journey.
Así que, ¿te animas a este viaje?
(So, are you up for this journey?)