2018 11x14 Silver gelatin print
I was born in San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora, Mexico. I was brought to the United States at age 4 by my parents who were seeking better economic opportunities for their young family. Since their arrival, my parents have worked nonstop to provide their children with a better future. I have grown up as an undocumented resident of the United States. This has created a sense of vulnerability, insecurity, and a sense of caution that has been a stifling source of anxiety.
I photograph myself as a way of identifying my fears and self reflecting. Because of my undocumented status, I have often refrained from dreaming of my future, thus creating a sense of uncertainty that is reflected by my photographs.
Along with self-portraiture, I photograph other DACA recipients from local areas within the Inland Empire. I use photography to engage similarly fearful Dreamers, bringing an otherwise invisible community to light.The process of making the photographs has resulted in conversations that have complicated even my own understanding of what it means to be a Dreamer.
Each Dreamer has a unique story to tell and it is important to me to explore their feelings, along with mine, about our unique situations. Although I have found similarities in the stories of the Dreamers, there are different points of view on how we see the current situation. One thing most of us have in common is a collective fear of sharing our status with close friends and almost everyone we know outside of our immediate families. Being able to share with each other, through this project, has created a sense of comfort and relief that has been mutually cathartic. I believe my series “(Un)documented” empowers and offers solace at a time when my community has come under siege.
