Upcoming exhibition
State of the union
September 5–October 25 | Living Arts of Tulsa
“STATE OF THE UNION” removes the veneer from The Stars and Stripes and explores it as both a symbol of division and unity.
The paintings of twisted and tangled flags reflect the country’s divisions — echo chambers, school shootings, terrorism, pride and the feeling it could boil over at any minute. These paintings don’t provide answers. But they face the discomfort, fear, and urgency many Americans feel as the lines between patriotism, protest, and ideology continue to blur.
In contrast, the photography looks at the unifying thread of the American tapestry — capturing the flag in quiet places and sweeping vistas, spanning distance and cultures. On Native American land in Utah, hanging from buildings in Brooklyn, dangling from boats in Miami, or fluttering on the backs of trucks in rural towns across the United States. This collection of work reveals how the Stars and the Stripes still carries a complicated hope, a reminder of Americans’ desire to belong, to be seen, and to connect to something greater than ourselves.
Taken together, it contrasts the concept of rugged individualism against a reality of unity. The work invites viewers to sit with the contradictions of American identity—fractured but not broken.
ABOUT
I’m a multi-media artist whose dissects the meaning and mythology of Americana. I was born in Aguascalientes, Mexico, and had the pleasure of growing up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. My early career as a screen printer and fashion designer deeply influenced my approach to iconography, narrative, and repetition.
Instead of following a traditional post-secondary education path, I dove headfirst into hands-on experience—starting a screen-printing and fashion design career where I sharpened my skills in graphic design and photography. I believe in the power of creative aggregation, using what I’ve learned in one discipline to inform and elevate another.
My purpose is to paint a changing nation—one shaped by gentrification, intersectionality, and convenience. I explore both traditional and non-traditional icons that reflect the times in which we live.
Over the years, my work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and runway shows. About eight years ago, I set out to explore the country—living in Dallas, Denver, San Francisco, New York, and now Miami. That journey deeply impacted how I see the USA and helped clarify my artistic vision moving forward.
In addition to my personal practice, I also work as a graphic designer, collaborating with businesses of all sizes—from small startups to Fortune 500 companies. I currently live in Miami, Florida, where I continue to explore new frontiers.
History
My career spans 17 years across various mediums including fashion design, graphic design, industrial design, interior design, photography, screen printing, and software design. But it all started with a simple handbag I sewed together on my friend’s kitchen table and a t-shirt inspired by my friend Jensen’s photograph.