Jessica introduces themes of cultural identity and the intricacies of assimilation in these tapestries. After relocating from Texas to New York City, she explores, through her work, the potential loss of identity that can ensue during such significant transitions. Utilizing self-portraiture and symbolism, she seeks to capture the struggles and challenges inherent in assimilation and the inherent longing for a connection to one’s roots.
In these works, Jessica incorporates elements distinctive to her upbringing in Texas, such as cactus and regional landscapes, crafting tapestries that emanate a sense of longing and nostalgia for the familiar. However, juxtaposed against these symbols are reflections of the diverse culture of New York City, illustrating the clash and confluence of identities in the journey of assimilation. To articulate these themes, she integrates three-dimensional sculptural techniques with graphic aesthetics in her creations. Chromadepth techniques are pivotal, metamorphosing flat surfaces into immersive and dynamic realms, symbolizing the layered complexities of identity and the intricate emotions tied to the search for belonging and assimilation.
For this project, Ramirez has created an installation that, in many ways, is an homage to her past. Papel picado, or cut paper, is frequently used in Mexican culture, celebrations, and ceremonies. Ramirez uses its associations and functions and redirects them to address her own questions about classifications and labels that frequently lead to stereotypical definitions and descriptions of who we are. The pervasiveness of these designations not only alter the way that others perceive us, but also informs how we see ourselves. Appropriating the decorative cut-outs that form papel picado, Ramirez uses photographs of herself and her family into which she cuts symbols and icons in repetitive patterns. The decorative designs and joyous colors of the portraits and bright paper flags suggest festive family gatherings, at the same time that they ask the fundamental question, “Who are you?”
In this series, "Identity Through Sculpture," Jessica explores the nuances of cultural identity and assimilation, marking her first endeavor into themes of cultural connectivity and origin. Relocating from Texas to the bustling diversity of New York City prompted Jessica to delve into the multifaceted realms of identity and belonging, seeking to visualize the interplay between her Texan roots and the vibrant tapestry of her adopted city.
For this series, Jessica traveled to Mexico and back to Texas to collect regional fabrics, each piece carrying the echoes of its origin, rich in culture and symbolic narratives. As a sculptor, she chose to manifest her visions into three-dimensional fabric creations, with each sculpture encapsulating the distinctive essence and symbolism of the aloe vera plant, a poignant reminder of her home. The aloe vera, resilient and nurturing, mirrors her own journey, symbolizing growth, healing, and adaptation within varied landscapes.
In every sculpture, vibrant colors and intricate patterns are intertwined, constructing associations to specific locations and cultural imprints. These fabric sculptures serve not just as aesthetic entities but as living narratives, reflecting the symbiosis of contrasting worlds and the silent stories woven into the threads of identity. Jessica’s approach to sculpture invites viewers to reflect on the connections between identity, place, and memory, and to explore the vibrant interweavings of cultural heritage within our contemporary existence. Each aloe vera stands as a beacon of resilience and diversity, a visual narrative of Jessica's odyssey through the realms of self and cultural discovery.
During her six-week artist residency at Casa Lu in Mexico City, Jessica immersed herself in the city's rich culture and arts. This experience inspired her to explore themes of cultural identity and assimilation through her work. In her studio in CDMX, she developed two distinctive tapestries using regional fabrics. Each tapestry depicts a different aspect of her identity: one represents her Texan roots, incorporating landscapes and cultural aesthetics of her upbringing, while the other embodies her Mexican heritage, reflecting the vibrant traditions and richness of the country.
In each piece, Jessica is the central figure, symbolizing the fusion of her diverse cultural identities. These artworks are more than a blend of fabrics and threads; they represent a harmonious balance between cultural preservation and assimilation. Jessica's goal is to provoke thought and encourage viewers to reflect on their own cultural journeys, fostering appreciation and opening dialogues about the beauty in embracing diverse backgrounds and the interconnected narratives we share.
During her tenure at the University of Texas at San Antonio for graduate school, Jessica began her initial exploration into combining sculpture with textiles. This series emerged as a colorful and dynamic symphony of forms, each piece imbued with a sense of organic vivacity, reflecting the inherent life and rhythm of nature. Jessica’s sculptures stand as visual metaphors for growth and transformation, each texture and hue intertwining to create a harmonious dance of shapes and shadows. This was Jessica’s first venture into expressing her artistic voice through the multidimensional realm of textiles, opening new pathways to explore the symbiotic relationship between form, texture, color, and the inherent stories they hold within. The organic nature and vibrant colors of her works invite viewers to perceive and reflect on the seamless blend of art and nature, and the boundless possibilities inherent in the union of diverse mediums.