Te llevo en mi corazón is an exhibition of works that uses photographs as a frame of reference to connect themes of my culture and heritage. I use a variety of mediums like painting, drawing, and printmaking in my artwork, working from personal memories, family archives, and cultural references. Because my parents immigrated from Perú to the United States, they brought with them not only stories and traditions that were passed down to my siblings and me, but also a variety of photographs from different moments in their lives. As I was organizing these pictures, I imagined the different lives they once had and how different mine might have been if they had stayed in Perú. Bringing these photographs from another country is significant to me because it has shaped my identity not only as a person but as an artist. I am deeply inspired by my roots and the blended cultures of Latinidad and Indigeneity. Through oil paintings, prints, and other mediums, I create work that feels nostalgic and personal. Using photographs as a frame of reference is a new concept for me since most of my work has been more intuitive, but this exploration has allowed me to portray these memories in a way that helps me feel connected to my family.

This show I dedicate to my parents with all their hard work and sacrifice that never goes unnoticed, to my siblings for all their unconditional support and love, to all my family members here that cheer me on and to my family in Peru that I deeply miss.