Syncretic Spirits / Espíritus Sincréticos

Syncretic Spirits / Espíritus Sincréticos is a multimedia exhibition that invites viewers into a fantastical space where cultural identity and perception intertwine. Colorful shaped panels, sculptural installations, prints, and drawings bridge physical and metaphysical realms. Personal archetypes intuitively inspired by natural forms drive the work. Influenced by the dualities of my upbringing as a first-generation Mexican American, I was immersed in Mexican culture through my family traditions while finding a home in the nurturing embrace of the heartland. The work has become a means of reclaiming a new layered sense of self, disentangling from my Catholic upbringing, embracing indigenous healing methods, and forming a personal spiritual and artistic practice. The visual language is inspired by pre-Columbian glyph traditions, particularly those found in Mesoamerican codices, and focuses on plant forms. By blending personal history with collective symbols, I am cultivating a growing relationship with the natural world. The plant-like forms that appear in my work become "spirit glyphs," acting as sentient guides and archetypes. Reflective of plants reaching toward the light, these imagined forms become extensions of myself exploring the unknown. I want the audience to feel a sense of recognition and curiosity as if they have unveiled a hidden narrative. The pieces encourage slow looking, and the details offer a space for personal interpretation. Advisors: Sophie Isaak and Matthew Sontheimer