Jessica Ramirez

¿Quién eres tu?

For this project, Ramirez has created an installation that, in many ways, is an homage to her past. Papel picado, or cut paper, is frequently used in Mexican culture, celebrations, and ceremonies. Ramirez uses its associations and functions and redirects them to address her own questions about classifications and labels that frequently lead to stereotypical definitions and descriptions of who we are. The pervasiveness of these designations not only alter the way that others perceive us, but also informs how we see ourselves. Appropriating the decorative cut-outs that form papel picado, Ramirez uses photographs of herself and her family into which she cuts symbols and icons in repetitive patterns. The decorative designs and joyous colors of the portraits and bright paper flags suggest festive family gatherings, at the same time that they ask the fundamental question, “Who are you?”