Lang, Bella Week 9

 

This week, I have seen many more amazing presentations, and decided to dedicate this blog post to Sand One; I simply loved her work and loved listening to the great presentation! Sand One is a Chicana artist born in East Los Angeles, and through her social media and galleries, she speaks on her personal experience on being a Chicana in LA. Her most well-known work are the dolls she creates, which represent ideas of feminism and female empowerment. Some think of her dolls as a form of pin up art. In an interview I found of her online (https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/latinx-heritage-month-l-street-205941899.html), she reveals that she has always been proud and secure within her culture, which is a beautiful and commendable characteristic, considering how assimilative LA can be. The confidence and pride she holds is reflected in her art, and she says, "I can speak however I want. I can use as much slang and profanity as I wish, and it’s okay because I have an audience that understands what I say" (Sand One). Her dolls are exaggerated and bold, with lots of eye makeup, blush, lipstick, jewelry, and revealing outfits. One of my favorites was a doll with brown hair and eyes, holding a "censored" sign over her chest, with tattoos on her arm and a spray paint can in her hand (I attached the image above). Some may look at this and think the dolls sexualize women, but they are rather meant to empower women, and highlight their beauty, independence, and freedom. It's also important to note that the dolls are always depicted on their own, without a man to support them. In the interview I found, she gives advises to other artists to not let emotions get in the way of their art. I thought this was unique, because most artists talk about how their emotions fuel their art or are the basis for their work. I think her advice shows her admirable carefree and unapologetic personality.