Alehna's art
Oil paint/art prints
Current Project
Threads of Identity
You may know that I am working on a new art project called “threads of identity” that explores our perceptions and identity. I normally paint portraits of myself, or paint those who left a mark on my life. Acting as a visual timeline to the challenges, love/self-love, and curiosity that shaped my own identity. Which makes my work primarily self-portraits using portraits of others as well as portraits of myself.
In this latest project, I have chosen to dive into the identities of others. I want to explore how others perceive themselves and how their connections with others contribute to the construction of their own identities. I have started by taking reference photos and then asking intimate questions about their identity.
I aim to create a space of vulnerability. This vulnerability allows me to perceive and interpret their identities through my art. Using fabric as my canvas, with its soft, tactile characteristics, it serves as a conduit for the same essence that emanates from the individuals themselves. As I paint, I want to create pieces that evokes emotions and creates a new perception of the person being portrayed by how I view them from their picture and the answers to the questions.
Through the lens of my interpretation, the subjects may be perceived in a different light than they or myself expect. While also celebrating the uniqueness of each individual, and their fluidity and diversity of self-perception, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the human experience.
Danny
They/them
This is Danny, a thoughtful and introspective individual who is a photographer, their observational skills and creativeness shine through their work, capturing the essence of their subjects and revealing their own unique perspective. Danny expresses their identity through fashion and music. They are currently exploring ways to let their childhood influence their photography through set design, aiming to create spaces that evoke their own essence.
María
They/them
Identity to Maria is who they are as a person existing in different places and around different people, it has shaped how they interact with people, their values and things that they believe and disagree on. As a Costa Rican immigrant, queer brown person, it has been a journey to feel proud of their identity. Expressing their identity in every day aesthetic, emulating a fashion style in “barrio” aesthetics of the 90s, with a tiny skirt to show off their big Latine legs, or some baggie denim as a reminder of the “cholo culture”, at times a tiny crop top to show their tattoos that represent their style and personality.
Along with their fashion and aesthetic, the way they see the world and how they grew up are shaped in their movement and dance, mirroring movements they saw growing up in music videos, tv shows and fashion shows. There has been a series of events that has shaped who they are today, including their first dance lesson at 8, studying at Universidad de Costa Rica, coming out as queer, and to their first Below the Concrete show. (An art collective of trans and queer artists).
Their familial connections impact their identity immensely by how they talk and the way others perceive them is rooted deeply in the Costa Rican values and culture. Their relationship with their parents and siblings are what guides the way they love and respect their loved ones.
Their advice to anyone struggling with their sense of identity or feeling disconnected from their community is to “be patient with yourself.”
Reggie
she/her
Meet Reggie, a person who sees identity as a unique blend of personal attributes, experiences, and values. Reggie's queerness and dual heritage have significantly shaped her sense of self. These factors have, for many years, contributed to a feeling of estrangement, as she struggled to conform to societal norms and gendered expectations.
Reggie was born in Brazil, a country she describes as "a deeply Christian but also very sexually open and diverse" with a vibrant drag culture, Carnaval celebrations, and warm-hearted people. She was a theatre enthusiast, a dancer, a gymnast, and even participated in pageants during her time there. However, she eventually moved to France at the age of 9, where she grew up in a close-knit family on the outskirts of Paris. This experience exposed her to diversity, social challenges, and various cultures, leaving a lasting impact on her. Despite finding comfort in the fusion of her dual heritages, Reggie still grapples with moments of identity crisis. Growing up in France, she felt pressure to conform to the norm of being effortlessly thin, but her naturally curvy body challenged these expectations. In her mid-20s, she experimented with a more feminine style that celebrated her curves, but this unfortunately attracted unwanted male attention. In recent years, she has adopted a more relaxed style, prioritizing comfort. Reggie acknowledges the deeply heteronormative world we live in and emphasizes the importance of dismantling personal biases and embracing self-expression.
While not a spiritual person, Reggie possesses a natural curiosity and appreciates the mysticism of some spiritual practices. She has a complex relationship with astrology, sometimes using it as a framework for introspection and guidance, while other times dismissing it for its "woo-woo" qualities. She rejects dogmatic beliefs that dictate who she should be but values practices that encourage self-reflection. Despite occasional feelings of isolation, Reggie believes that genuine human connections have the most significant influence on our sense of identity and personal growth. She seeks out like-minded individuals and creates safe spaces where she can freely express herself without fear of judgment. These connections often manifest in online communities or through artistic endeavors such as photography and video, where she draws inspiration from her own life and admired artists like Nan Goldin, Carrie Mae Weems, and Lina Scheynius.
Reggie's journey of self-discovery also included her acceptance of her curly hair. For 15 years, she straightened her hair to fit societal standards of "good hair." Additionally, despite early attractions to women, she initially assumed she was straight due to societal expectations. It wasn't until her early 20s that she explored her desires more deeply and realized her true attraction to women.
Artistically, Reggie primarily engages in photography and video, focusing on candid moments that convey authenticity. She is drawn to stories that resonate with her, especially those led by women, even if they are considered unlikable.
Reggie's life changed when she fell in love with a woman for the first time, leading to a profound awakening. This transformative lesbian relationship taught her to embrace and honor her truth, regardless of societal expectations or past experiences.
Reggie reminds herself, and others, that we all contain multitudes and are constantly evolving, dealing with internal conflicts, self-doubt, and discoveries. Embracing one's truth is a valuable approach to reconciling conflicting aspects of our identity. Reggie also highlights the internet's role in providing a vast array of communities, making it easier for people to connect without leaving their homes. If you're struggling with your identity, remember it's okay to question yourself, make mistakes, and take breaks. The people who truly understand and support you will never judge you for it. Surround yourself with those who uplift you on your journey.