#MIXEDLENS with Sophia Nuñez

My name is Sophia Nuñez. I am a Chinese Mexican American woman, and I’m a painter. Throughout my life, I have frequently been one of the only brown kids in the class room; I live in a predominantly white neighborhood. Because of my minority status, I’ve had to deal with a lot of stereotypes and critiques of my skin tone. I never quite fit into either of my cultures. However, I have always felt very connected to art. My freshman year, I started going to Harvard-Westlake, a school that is dedicated to “a diverse and inclusive community.” I began learning how to paint with oils and soon realized that if I am going to have the privilege of going to such a prestigious school, I should use my voice to speak up about my experiences and injustice in general. Two and a half years later, I am now a dedicated painter with a drive. Taking inspiration from Kerry James Marshall, I refuse to paint white people in the same way that I portray people of color. Art has been dominated by white people, it is our turn to be a part of art history. I am a proud Chinese Mexican American Woman and my work reflects how I see the world. I especially want my work to reflect the new era the world of art history is entering into: an era featuring people of color. 

TOKENTOPIARY

This piece is about being a minority in a majority white area. It’s the idea that the only reason you’re in a place is to bolster “Diversity”, even though they might not truly want you. As a bald, mixed, brown cheerleader, I’ve recently been feeling like I’m the poster child for diversity. I partially take on this role myself as I am outspoken and encourage people to ask questions if they don’t understand. This piece is the struggle between between trying to foster a conversation and only being seen as a conversation starter. I’m not a student at Harvard Westlake purely because the school wanted someone with the last name “Nuñez” but sometimes it feels like that. I am more than just a bald, mixed, brown cheerleader to point at to reference how “Diverse and inclusive” ur community is. I am more than my appearance and I am more than a statistic that proves that our school is “diverse”.

LADYFACE

This painting is about growing up as a biracial brown girl in a very white area that has held prejudices against me and my family. I have strong parental figures who share their culture with me, but I have also have dealt with stereotypes and the uncomfortable feeling of being the only brown person in the room. In this polarized area, the personalities of my family and how we are seen are scrutinized. The mountains are the range in Agoura Hills, called Ladyface mountain. Named after it’s shape, it’s an iconic symbol around my neighborhood and has been omnipresent in my life.

EYEBOY

This painting was made to address the double standard of censorship in the media. In our society, someone is always watching for us to put forth perfection but they are also waiting for us to make a mistake.