Files
Download
Download Full Text (878 KB)
Description
A series of black and white relief prints by Angeles Jimenez regarding the traditions of quinceañeras.
Semester Completed
Spring 2020
Keywords
printmaking, fine art, studio art, relief printing
Disciplines
Art and Design | Printmaking
Recommended Citation
Jimenez, Angeles, "Senior Art Portfolio: La Quinceañera" (2020). Senior Art Portfolios. 50.
https://digitalcommons.snc.edu/artportfolios/50
Copyright
Angeles Jimenez
Artist Statement
In this work, I explore my cultural background through the process of relief-printing and painting. It illustrates my techniques of line, color, and storytelling throughout my work. My color palette often consists of bright yellows, pastel blues, and other vibrant colors. The colors are largely inspired by Latin American folk art and lotería cards. I am drawn to present narratives. My Quinceañera series is a continuation of my intaglio print, Quince, which displays a solitary skeleton figure in a ballgown seated on a chair.
A common theme throughout my artwork is the imagery of skeletons in place of people. The influence comes from the connection between Mexican culture and skeletal figures through Día de Los Muertos(the Day of the Dead) and the popularization from Jose Guadalupe Posada and Manuel Manilla. Particularly, Posada’s Catrina print, which is often associated with Día de Los Muertos, inspired my work for how the skeleton figure appears to be smiling. Throughout my work with skeletons, they are not displayed in a malicious or negative way, but more in light-hearted style with the situations they are in.
In the Quinceañera series, I bring these elements into use. These prints are observation and appreciation for the traditions rather than a personal connection. The inspiration is the quinceañera culture and the motif of skeletons in Mexican culture. A quince is the celebration of a girl turning fifteen, marking the age where she, often referred to as la quinceañera, “officially becomes a woman” and making her appearance to the world. This series highlights the imagery of ball gowns, rhinestone tiaras, and changing of heels, and other gifts that are symbolically used throughout the celebration. The dress itself holds no significant value but was often presented as white instead of the bold colors in use today. The crown has a more literal meaning where it shows la quinceañera as the “princess” being presented. The changing of shoes to heels symbolize the transition from childhood to adulthood. Most of the gifts presented are a contribution from the extended family members, acting like the padrinos(godparents) of that gift to la quinceañera. Before the actual celebration, during it, and afterward, la quinceañera can be overwhelmed by things like a packed schedule and the constant need for a smile. To best illustrate their tired self, I used the imagery of skeletons to replace humans because of the dark themes associated with skeletons despite their smiling expression.