Higuera, Mara Week 5 (carmen Lomas)

 This Carmen Lomas image illustrated in page 83 of the novel by Constance Cortez spoke to me the most when reading because it sparked a nostalgia in me. The image is named In My Family. One of the main reasons for which it spoke to me was because growing up in a Mexican family, parties have always been a staple in the memories one has growing up. The musicos (musical artists) on the right hand of the painting touched my personal life in a sense because my dad's side of the family come from a very strong musical background. Not only do the musicos resignate with me but also the couples dancing. Much like growing up I watched my parents and aunts and uncles dance in couple at parties, I now find myself dancing with my boyfriend as a "pareja" (couple dance) at family parties. The vibrant colors in the painting emphasizes the feelings of happiness, unity, and simply good vibes in family parties. Another part if the painting that touched homes in a sort of nostalgic way was the two kids dancing in the lower right corner.  If you are Hispanic or Mexican it is commonly seen that even at a young age, children begin to bond in family parties over dancing and music. Dancing with your cousins, uncles, and siblings end up being a core memory growing up. Carmen Lomas Garza strives to drive home on not only her experiences but also many Hispanic’s experiences growing up. By touching on these essential memories growing up, Carmen Lomas is able to build community and touch her audiences in a much more personal way. Unlike other artists Carmen shows a perspective of her experience that can be generalized in a sense to many other Hispanics and maybe even across cultures. By homing in on experiences that maybe all Hispanics have gone through Carmen Lomas is able to embrace her community and experiences, whether good or bad, in the Hispanic culture.