MC Mendez
 

 Figurative collage series explores how to express the complexities of healing from a brain injury.  Gratitude for the help I received from others balances denial, confusion and fear I felt while injured.  Being isolated during the pandemic reminded me of the loss of connection with others I experienced during  injury.  The art's journey moved deeper to visualizing healing injustices and our climate change stress. 

 

Recurring symbols, colors and shapes overlay monoprint palettes and graph paper charts which I used to record progress and setbacks daily as I would not otherwise retain.  Personal symbols include birds, moons, ladders, fishermen, and children and all represent caring, healing and hope.  I love work of artists who capture moments and private worlds using figures, set in interiors and in nature like Edgar Degas, German Expressionists, Albert Pinkham Ryder, and Spanish artist Remedio Varo.

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The figures convey how it felt: curling in a ball, turning away to avoid light, bending over, weighted in pain with moments of serenity and stillness.  The models are creative individuals in their own right; their choice of poses and facial expressions tell their stories.  When I use figures in my art, I honor  their poses to convey new meaning.​ The injury, life and aging taught me to respect and self acceptance.