Lupitalandia

Lupitalandia is series of paintings that addresses my childhood experiences, traditions and memories by using folk toys, such as “Lupita” dolls, as a form of self-representation. These traditional dolls are made of papier mâché and painted in bright colors. I portray them as characters in these paintings because I’ve always kind of identified with them – they are lumpy with dark hair and brown skin, in contrast to the perfect Barbie dolls that represent the ideal of American culture. 

When I moved here at the age of ten, the United States seemed like a fantasy world to me, like Disneyland with colorful characters, castles, singing birds and flying elephants – “The Happiest Place on Earth.” At the same time, I felt a strong connection to childhood memories of Mexico, like celebrating the Day of the Dead, Christmas and Easter. I was particularly close with my grandmother, who would tell us mythological stories with colorful characters and places.

In this series I blend the Lupita dolls, a very traditional and popular object, with a twist of surrealistic elements. They are a reflection of cultural tradition, experiences, my ancestors, fears and hopes.