Lauren Vargas

Artist Statement

What does it mean to be a good neighbor? How do we live in a way that shows love, concern, and respect for others in the same way we love ourselves and our own families? I believe we must choose our neighbors: not in the sense of withdrawing to only be with people who are like us, but quite the opposite: choosing to care about people who are different from us as if they were our own family. My work explores and celebrates good neighbors, my neighbors, along one street in North Philadelphia. I care about justice and equality, especially for making space for voices that are not heard and representing my community in a positive light when most media reports are negative or violent. I am interested in making art available to, of interest to, and as a means for gaining power for marginalized people. I love investigating color and believe that portraits are a powerful means of encountering another person.