Originally appeared on Mexic Arte Museum website and artist's website.
Writing for Las Lunas Series of Photographs and Biography
ARTIST STATEMENT
This series of work depicts thirteen women who come from around the world and have created their own identities in Austin. These women, in their strength, beauty and magnetism, embody the thirteen moons in the Lunar Cycle. In my photographs, each woman's identity is captured not only through her physical body in costume but by the symbolic objects surrounding her. This reveals the various layers of feminine beauty and creative talents that evoke a constant energy and movement from each woman, like the constant pull of the moon on the tides.
My concept for these photographs was influenced by the sets and costumes of contemporary French portraitists Pierre et Gilles and by a work of Mexican literature from 1855 called “Los Mexicanos Pintados Por Si Mismos” (Mexicans painted themselves). This volume of lithographs and writings presented characters with some peculiarity whether it was through their craft, the way they dressed, or the role they played in society.
Through this series of portraits I have sought out the personal strengths of women. The costumes and objects represent elements of the history, culture, and creative path that shape each unique life. I am interested in how cultural origin and the richness of mixed cultures shape the personalities and talents of people, especially women, to make them so incredibly varied and complex.
BIOGRAPHY
Lucero Archuleta Valle was born in Monclova, Coahuila Mexico. She grew up with a passion for photography, influenced by her father who has worked for over 40 years as a classic portrait photographer. She received an Industrial Design Degree in 2003. Her background in design and photography has given her a particular interest in combining the aesthetics of fashion and objects. Using classic portrait lighting to enhance the natural beauty of her subjects, Archuleta often pairs models with objects to create meaning and tell a story. She currently lives in Austin, Texas.
Writing for Las Lunas Series of Photographs and Biography
ARTIST STATEMENT
This series of work depicts thirteen women who come from around the world and have created their own identities in Austin. These women, in their strength, beauty and magnetism, embody the thirteen moons in the Lunar Cycle. In my photographs, each woman's identity is captured not only through her physical body in costume but by the symbolic objects surrounding her. This reveals the various layers of feminine beauty and creative talents that evoke a constant energy and movement from each woman, like the constant pull of the moon on the tides.
My concept for these photographs was influenced by the sets and costumes of contemporary French portraitists Pierre et Gilles and by a work of Mexican literature from 1855 called “Los Mexicanos Pintados Por Si Mismos” (Mexicans painted themselves). This volume of lithographs and writings presented characters with some peculiarity whether it was through their craft, the way they dressed, or the role they played in society.
Through this series of portraits I have sought out the personal strengths of women. The costumes and objects represent elements of the history, culture, and creative path that shape each unique life. I am interested in how cultural origin and the richness of mixed cultures shape the personalities and talents of people, especially women, to make them so incredibly varied and complex.
BIOGRAPHY
Lucero Archuleta Valle was born in Monclova, Coahuila Mexico. She grew up with a passion for photography, influenced by her father who has worked for over 40 years as a classic portrait photographer. She received an Industrial Design Degree in 2003. Her background in design and photography has given her a particular interest in combining the aesthetics of fashion and objects. Using classic portrait lighting to enhance the natural beauty of her subjects, Archuleta often pairs models with objects to create meaning and tell a story. She currently lives in Austin, Texas.