The Cultural Beat: Cross Cultural Center E-Newsletter

Each issue, we will be showcasing artists and performers whose work is relevant to social justice. This month, we are very excited to showcase Karen Angel, a third-year Dance and Studio Art double-major. The following two images are two of her works: "Mixed Identity" and "Roots of Folklore".

Artist Spotlight: Karen Angel

"My name is Karen Angel and this is my third year in Davis. I have been drawing since I was in elementary school. At first, drawing was just a hobby and then I realized it was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I am currently double majoring in Studio Art and Dance. I feel like combining these two artistic fields makes me understand the different structures of art. The two fields give me a deeper understanding of how the figure can be creatively represented and they also provide me insight into many different elements of composition. These two pieces are a small reflection of how I see my world."

"This work is titled "Mixed Identity". It is a self-portrait and in it I wanted to embody different elements that have influenced me in my search as an artist. Not to sound clich�, but one artist who truly has inspired me is Frida Kahlo, and in my portrait I have adopted her often-worn reboso and necklace that she wore in a San Francisco photograph. Her struggles and the approach she took in her artwork have translated into my image of self. I want to paint my own reality, the reality of my war stricken home and of my struggles in a more prosperous country. That is why two flags lie in the background. Although you cannot entirely see the flag of El Salvador, the basic colors are still seen behind the American flag. It serves as reminder that the life my mother chose to flee will always be embedded within my entire family."

"This piece is entitled "Roots of Folklore". The painting shows a woman dressed in one of the regional costumes from the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. She is cast in shadow making it seem as if she has lost her personal identity. The beauty of her unknown character allows this woman to embody everyone and no one simultaneously. She is quiet and somber, but deep within her lies this exquisite culture that she will soon share with an audience. I wanted to create this sense of bursting color around her to illustrate the richness of the regional dance that I too perform with my dance company."

If you are a social justice-minded artist, poet, or performer, we'd love to spotlight your work. E-mail Amanda Gonzalez (agonza@ucdavis.edu) or Chrissy Noble (cmnoble@ucdavis.edu), or stop by the Cross-Cultural Center, if you'd like to share your work!