Yasmine Barrón

Artist Statement

I have found myself sculpting and painting anatomy, figures, objects, and spaces with the objective to translate human connection as well as sentiments into more tangible forms. My work extends beyond clay, in handwriting, underglaze drawings, or other mediums that add depth to the overall essence of my pieces. As a Mexican immigrant woman who grew up along the border, my mixed-media works portray themes of femininity, girlhood, womanhood, immigration, and generational healing. Through my works I explore how external and internal factors shape our individuality, the foundation to who we are. I do this by honoring influences of familial bonds, romantic ones, and platonic connections.
I think of my artworks as opportunities for connection, where human connection can be held, witnessed, or remembered regardless of the medium or dimensionality. Some of my sculptures have a functional element: a place for a candle, an area where personal belongings can be held and displayed on the sculpture. My artworks are objects to dwell in, a reminder of the self, of loved ones, or to recall a memory of a place one is fond of. My paintings or sculptures are autobiographical reflections, responses of my experiences within my culture, scenery from the north of Mexico and west of the United States, fauna and flora, as well as of interpersonal relationships. I have found inspiration in the Arts and Crafts Movement as well as the Conceptual Art Movement.
It is essential to me that my sculptures capture subjects regarding the body, femininity, generational patterns, and my culture as it is, my perception and appreciation for it even when challenging fragments of it. My sculptures or paintings depict and explore the internal or external influences that affect individuals. The artworks are about the complexities of connection to the self, to others, and show appreciation for surroundings and the places we inhabit.