Abstract

This body of work is a direct result of a childhood without various childhood-defining objects, such as toys, candy, or media. Influenced by an obsession with nostalgia, this eventually led to an attempt to relive the past through the present. This obsession snowballed to a concerning collection of various childhood objects, ranging throughout time from 80’s and 90’s Mexico, to early 2000’s U.S. pop culture, and an unfathomable amount of thrift stores. Now experiencing the tragedy of adjusting to adulthood, this body of work features alcohol, cigarettes, the shame surrounding enjoying children’s media, and a desire to reject modern adult life through objects. However, a common theme can be seen throughout this nostalgic experience: the prevalence of Mexican values–specifically the significance of family. Families and people can change radically, whereas objects are a product of their time.Mexican culture strongly focuses on the importance of family and the stern acceptance of growing responsibilities. Grit is assumed, not rewarded. A nostalgic reflection through a Mexican-American lens resulted in various clashing emotions towards the rapid passing of time. Playing with child-like objects is exciting, limitless, and timeless. However, the constant reminder of adulthood often makes play seem jarring, and almost out-of-touch. Mourning, frustration, and a great amount of appreciation could recontextualize a past with the depiction of objects and the people that informed it. Through the utilization of mixed media to depict various nostalgic subjects, this body of work is an invitation to view an on-going attempt to accept the past, learn to play again, to love the objects and people lost to time, and all with those gained along the way.

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