Deconstructed Reality

                 This body of work is based on my Mexican and Iranian cultures and how I am constantly questioning the lack of security that both my cultural backgrounds hold within my American culture. My work is not meant to deconstruct my own reality of what it means to be a biracial woman of color but rather to deconstruct the reality of how biracial and multiracial individuals are treated within American culture. American culture is bounded by compartmentalizing cultural groups in order to create the illusion of a safe haven for people experiencing discrimination or racial stereotyping, but they are not a safe space for biracial or multiracial individuals like myself to turn to when we are experiencing the same hateful and degrading comments. Biracial and Multiracial individuals face twice the amount of discrimination within American culture but are also seen as less than or outcasts from their own cultural groups.

                 The constant need to fully represent both cultures while also addressing the hateful and degrading comments about not being a true American is the reason why I focus my work on beauty rather than ugliness. The reality that I face is fueled by the need to reveal the cultural significance as something more than just a stereotype that is depicted within American culture. By breaking down my two cultures through the uses of repetition, patterns, and designs I am able to show the viewer how similar they are from one another while addressing the issues of how warped these two cultures have been portrayed within American culture. This deconstructed reality is meant to show the connections that can be made within different cultures. This is my safe space where I am able to encourage the viewer to see the connections that can be made within cultures instead of focusing on the differences. Once they do, they will be able to indulge in an enriching experience; the beautiful blending of many cultures.