Updated images for thesis plus Artist Statement
Artist Statement:
I have never developed a photo in a darkroom. I was raised in the era of digital photography and feel like the process of taking a photo, uploading it, and making quick changes in Photoshop is unsatisfying because I have been drawing for a long time and think of drawing as a more active and physical process. I want to find the satisfaction I get from drawing in my photographic process, so I have spent the last few years experimenting with ways to combine photography and drawing.
I begin by drawing on a transparency that I place over my printed photo. The drawing emerges as a reaction to the photo, the pose, and my relationships with my models. I eventually scan the transparency so I can superimpose the line drawing onto the photograph using Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
Shortly after I began this work, I discovered the artist Dr. Lakra, a Mexican tattooist who superimposes tattoo designs on found objects. Ideas from his work inevitably trickled into my thesis. My drawings are much different than his; I am influenced by indigenous art forms from Mexico, Central, and South America that I render in a contemporary way, that borders between tattooing and graffiti.
This work has been driven by my search for a meaningful balance between these media as well as my need to stay true to my subject matter. I am interested in documentary photography, so it is important for these images to remain realistic. I see the photographs as documents, and the drawings add another layer of interpretation. Rather than including text to describe my work, I hope my drawings suggest ideas that might otherwise be explained through text.
I am aiming to explore the identity of Latinos without offending or misrepresenting them. These images show pride—an element I see missing in the popular portrayals of Latinos. The current anti-immigrant climate in the U.S. can complicate the question of pride for Hispanics. But I also hope this work speaks beyond the issue of immigration.
Uriel,
Conceptualmente has acertado. Has logrado fundir arte y documentación, presente y pasado; esto último en términos culturales y no solamente temporales. la tercera foto es impactante porque el sujeto tiene una pose que desafía al espectador, the viewer feels addressed. y, claro, el dibujo corresponde a la pose y simbólicamente situa el desafío en la historia de una gente o pueblo. es decir que va más allá de mera “juventud”. Además la complejidad de los dibujos de las dos primeras fotos son verdaderamente un logro. una integración de códigos culturales en el cuerpo contemporáneo que evita la exotización. !!Felicitaciones!! muy bien logrado. Espero poder asistir a la exhibición.
March 7, 2011 at 5:30 AM
Really like the top one. The way in which you incorporated the drawing with the person is lovely.
March 9, 2011 at 9:37 PM
Uri, it’s coming along sooooo well!!!!! I can’t wait to see them at the Thesis Exhibition!!!!!!!
March 15, 2011 at 7:30 PM
I just added some more images and an artist statement, I think you would enjoy that
April 19, 2011 at 12:25 PM
I really love the concept! Do you do individual commissions upon request?
August 3, 2012 at 9:41 PM
Hi there. I considered the option but there are a few difficulties I foresee with that. The main one is that as the photographer of the portraits, it would be hard to get the equipment and lighting setup to take an image of someone that may be thousands of miles from the studio I used. Sometimes, being able to take the right image proves to be difficult. But commissions may be an interesting way to expand this project.
August 9, 2012 at 3:32 PM