
Artist Statement
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I am Andrés Emmanuel Dominguez Fernandez Silva. I am representing a lineage of unacknowledged artists. My journey is the culmination of collective creative practices spanning generations of artists in my family. Every generation’s commitment is marked by unwavering dedication, positioning me in my current role as an artist. My ceramic and sculpture projects are a profound means of commemorating not only myself but also my community and ancestors.
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I delve into the realm of Mexican pottery from the perspective of a graffiti artist. During my formative years, I was captivated by the juxtaposition of talavera pottery and graffiti adorning train cars, finding inspiration in their distinctive beauty. In my approach to ceramic artistry, I channel a similar instinctual energy found in graffiti, striving to craft pieces that are iconic, singular, and unforgettable. My aim extends beyond crafting vessels; I seek to push the boundaries of Chicano art and its aesthetic, infusing my creations with both cultural resonance and personal expression.
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Operating across various artistic mediums, my specialization finds its heartbeat in ceramics. My forms evolve by combining process, context, and material. Ceramics, laden with historical significance in preserving cultural identity, becomes more than a medium—it transforms into vessels for unspoken or overlooked stories within my community. The deliberate incorporation of found objects and other temporal mediums, interwoven with ceramic material, contributes to a conceptual narrative as an anchor in the dynamic currents of contemporary reality.
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Navigating the landscape of media representations of my Chicano culture, I grapple with discomfort arising from often-reductive descriptors such as "immigrants,"and "hispanics." My work pushes beyond these limiting circumstances to construct new frames of understanding. Instead, each work is grounded in the personal stories of individuals I intimately know. Whether conveyed explicitly or recognized through facial cues, these narratives serve as homage not just to the individuals themselves but, more significantly, to the untold stories that might otherwise fade into the annals of time. This commitment extends even to the titles of my works, where applied quotes within conversations with individuals add an extra layer of depth and authenticity.
While each work and series bears its respective titles , the conceptual philosophy underpinning each creation echoes the mantra of "Viva la Verdad". This is not a mere catchphrase; it encapsulates the essence of each work's goal—honesty. For me, truth becomes a conduit through which stories grow, true to their authentic roots. Each piece is crafted to unveil the unspoken truths derived from history, yet uniquely individualized to the person affected.
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I invite viewers into a realm where heartfelt personal stories may evoke epiphanies. This human connection, transcending the limitations of reductive descriptors, becomes a potent catalyst for building up my community. Through my art, I aspire to develop understanding that extends beyond stereotypes, fostering an appreciation for the diverse, authentic narratives that define my culture.
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My artistic journey is a deliberate act of storytelling, a commitment to honesty, and a celebration of the profound humanity embedded in every stroke of my artistic expression. Through my work, I tell the unspoken truth and contribute to a broader narrative that challenges prevailing norms, fostering the diverse, authentic narratives for its deeper appreciation for the richness of human experiences.