Alicia is a first-generation Mexican American and currently a junior at South Dade Senior. She is very much inspired by her family to succeed in life. She is a JROTC member in school and is a health and sports enthusiast. She loves her Mexican culture and proudly carries on many traditions with her family. Though born in the U.S., she feels really connected with her culture.
Artist statement:
Health and isolation
“For my smallest painting, it represents isolation during this pandemic. This pandemic has drastically affected all of us globally and because of social distancing, we must isolate ourselves for our own health. The girl in my painting is sitting on the floor alone with her mask. The walls and floor are white to show how she's trying to stay positive and clean, but the dark is slowly fading in on her.
My second painting, also one of my favorites that I’ve done, is my personal painting. The girl sitting down is me. The flag behind is the Mexican flag with the American flag design. It represents me as a Mexican American, and even though I was born in America I will never forget my roots and where my family came from.
Finally, my last painting represents the life of an immigrant before COVID-19. It shows a man thinking of his family, but he is also thinking about the risk of ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement]. Every immigrant has the dream of coming to America for the opportunities and for their family to have a better life. But entities like ICE and racism makes it harder for immigrants everywhere even as an American citizen it is hard because of the color of their skin people are quick to judge. This painting shows us and them as hard workers and that we are only trying to have a better life not just for ourselves but also for our families.”