BY_PEREZ

A Mexican-American graphic designer and artist based in North Carolina that works across in print production, branding, installation, and museum contexts. Their interdisciplinary practice uses design to explore the relationship between identity, culture, and visual communication—drawing from personal experience.

With a BFA in Graphic Design and minor in Art History from Appalachian State University, they have contributed to exhibitions, freelance projects, and institutional work, including the Nasher Museum of Art.

Screenprint Designs → Printed Roots

an exploration of Chicano screenprint posters of the 1970s.

Printed Roots explores Chicano Posters during the Chicano Movements of the 1970s, Incorporating visual elements and themes of Chicano identity, symbolism, and overall what it means to be a first-generation Mexican-American. The symbolic image I use is the cactus or nopal. It is featured on Mexico's flag, a staple food, and used in slang.

The word "Nopal" comes from the Natual word nohpalli. It is a symbolic and fundamental symbol in Mexico. Referred to as the life-giving plant or rebirth because it seems to live forever - fallen leaves form a new plant. The nopal is featured in the Mexican flag - symbolizing the defeated hearts of the defeated warriors. Its prickly outer skin needs caution for harvesting and preparation - but inside is full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Yet the word Nopal is used as a derogatory term. “Cara de nopal" which translate to "prickly pear cactus-faced" is used in Mexican culture to describe someone who has obvious indigenous features.