My work is an exploration of self-identity and liberation within the social, cultural, and racial parameters which exist within Latinidad. The majority of representational motifs embedded in the ceramic pieces are based on the body of oral literature that highlights Indigenous formal oratory as well as rhythm of hispanohablante music. In my ceramics work, I re-contextualize the histories imposed on Valdivian figures and funerary statuettes endemic to western South America to create guardians imbued with animism and joy. A vibrant color palette reflects Colombian culture and disrupts the association of Indigenous, Black, and Brown culture with muted earth tones. I argue that Latinidad, rather than being a geopolitical designator and identifier, is a fabricated monolithic identity rooted in Eurocentrism which promotes the erasure of multi-ethnic forced diasporas and non-white identities. By adopting a critical and hemispheric perspective, this work aims to deconstruct and decenter the construct of Latinidad by exploring how its hegemonic applications erase Black, Brown, and Indigenous representations. The purpose of this work is to highlight the intersections of trauma, joy, and liberation I experience as a Brown person and allow for the creation of an impossible space for others who may feel the same. This installation is a recognition, exploration, and acceptance of a constant state of racial and cultural Indeterminacy.
Biography
Carolina Marín Hernández was born in Cali, Colombia and raised in Queens, New York. Carolina is currently based in Philadelphia where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Moore College of Art and Design with a concentration in 3D Media and an interest in Fibers. She uses decorative ceramics, vibrant colors, and corn husks to construct large scale sculptures imbued with animism and humor. She is passionate about community engagement, and multiliteracy learning strategies to create equitable opportunities for the hispanohablante communities of Philadelphia. As a first-generation, formerly undocumented person, Carolina pulls from her experiences to rethink identities imposed on to her through experimentations with language, form, and material.
Education
2018-2022
Moore College of Art and Design, Philadelphia, PA
BA Fine Arts, Minor in Art History, Summa Cum Laude
Awards and Honors
2022
Harriet Glashofer Jolles Memorial Prize in Fine Arts
Diana and Clarence Stern Award for Excellence in 3D Fine Art
Happy Fernandez Senior Leadership Prize
2021
Maguire Scholars Program
2018-2022
Presidential Scholarship, Moore College of Art and Design
Professional Experience
2022-Present
Proyecto Grandote, Puentes de Salud
Artist
2022-Present
Puentes a las Artes - Barnes Foundation and Puentes de Salud
Special Project Coordinator
2021
Tyler School of Art and Architecture
Studio Assistant to the Artist in Residence, George Rodriguez
Exhibitions
Group Exhibitions
2022
Now, One With Everyone!, Icebox Project Space, Philadelphia, PA
Pride Exhibition, Abington Art Center, Jenkintown, PA
Best in Show, Kimmel Cultural Center, Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia Sculptors 22nd Annual 5into1 Show, Tyler School of Art and Architecture Atrium Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Concentric Craft, DaVinci Art Alliance, Philadelphia, PA
2021
36th Annual Exhibition: No Big Heads, The Hugh McPeck Gallery, Anchorage, AK
