by Makevia Moore
Jenifer Arellano – Mendoza is a student at Valdosta State University that is displaying her work at the In Situ exhibition. Starting her journey in life, the artist grew up in Brunswick, Georgia. The area that Arellano – Mendoza grew up in was not easy, which taught her how to be strong and independent. Growing up in this type of lifestyle made her want to connect more with others, especially minorities. With her parents being immigrants, Mendoza wanted to break the cycle of having things they usually did not have. Her first step in that was being the first person in her family to go to college. So, she used art to express herself and her feelings. Mendoza stated how she used photography as her words when she could not speak for herself. Before college, she was shy and did not know how to express her feelings when a loved one or friend passed, which also resulted in her not creating art. The artist felt as though she had no purpose to make art and no voice in art that helped with these issues. Attending VSU gave her that opportunity to learn more and process things she held back. The school gave her a fresh set of eyes and constructive criticism from her peers to improve as a person and artist.
2021, photography
The series she created for the exhibition show is entitled Our Voices, these photographs reflect her feelings during the Black Lives Matter moment and the pain that many other people felt during this depressing time. The artwork contains 10 black and white images from her hometown and a tribute to her friend, Ahmaud Arbery. In the series, Mendoza displays a photo of Arbery mural on a church, herself, and other subjects with tape over their mouths, hands, and other areas. The words displayed in the pieces are “I am not a threat,” “My life matters,” and “Stop killing me.” Doing this series, the artist made sure to go back home and connect with the people that felt the same pain she felt. I asked Mendoza why she picked the mural and architecture photograph specifically for this piece, she revealed how it was a fresh look from what the news presented to really see Arbery in his normal happy self. The series brought peace and closure to herself and the viewers.
2021, photography
2021, photography
Mendoza expands on how her work changed because of her influencers and surroundings. When she was younger, she was influenced by Mr. Cartoon, an artist based in Los Angeles who does tattoos and photography. Now individuals such as Bryce France and Jerry Martines influence her, which highlights her interest in college sports photography. Her attraction to sports photography has always been in her since she played soccer throughout her grade school years. Now she can still have that interest that her and her father share by capturing the momentum and energy through her lens. The artist discusses how her influencers have changed based on where she is and how she has changed as an individual. Mendoza states “My intention is to give a glimpse of what Hispanics and minority groups go through daily. To help connect with others and how we go through similar situations.” After examining her art and artistic mindset, it is safe to say that she accomplishes everything she intends to in her artworks by being there for others mentally and physically.
Makevia Moore is a Fine Art student at Valdosta State University and an upcoming graphic designer and architect.