Stereotypes Reimagined
My final project focuses on stereotypes of Latinxs in the media, but seeks to question these stereotypes by omitting facial features and skin color. “Bandito,” “Maid,” “Cholo” (or Latinx gangster), and “Harlot” are four of the most problematic Latinx stereotypes are perpetuated by media and the arts, and must be addressed.
I worked in black pen and ink for this project. I love this combination of media because the black pen enables me to create detail, while the ink adds expression and mood to the piece. I began by drawing rough outlines in pencil, and then retraced them and added further detail with pen. I then added ink to the drawings to present value (highlights/shadows) to each and to bring the drawings to life. By adding detail and color to the clothing and accessories, but not the face or body, my intention was to create an undefined individual, and force the viewer to fill in the blanks, thereby confronting her own subconscious biases.