This installation uses shoes as symbolic vessels to explore migration, not only as a physical journey, but as the navigation of invisible and imagined borders. These borders lead us into deeply meaningful experiences within communities, shaped by themes of resilience, identity, and displacement.

Each pair of shoes holds a narrative, tracing both personal and collective struggles that unfold on intimate and expansive scales. The work invites viewers to reflect on how these themes shape lives, communities, and the in-between spaces where belonging, loss, and transformation coexist.

(Te-) Anima

Te is the Nahuatl prefix of a non- specific, human object.

Anima is the Spanish word for soul.

Thus, someone’s soul. 

My work in progress dives into the ongoing research of the book “The Natural History of the soul in Ancient Mexico” and the many layers of how the Mexica’s viewed the soul through different representations. Yolia is one term the Nahuatl used to describe the soul. As I am still continuing to dissect my reading, I decided to start combining my own deep rooted experiences while observing and learning Mexico City’s culture into my work. The contemporary nature of the city and its bright palette, allowed me to explore materials, colors and paper cutting. My objective is to share how the soul is transparent yet sometimes hidden. 

As memories start to resurface, I find myself asking questions of what if and why me? In the end, I always trust spirit to guide me towards my happiness even when moments in time feels unsightly and uncomfortable during our journey.

Asi que, teánimas este viaje?

(So, are up for this journey?)