Elena Andres

Elena Andres is a Chicana artist from a small town in Southern California. She moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in the midst of the 2007 recession when she was only eight years old. The wealth disparity ingrained in Charlotte’s culture eventually opened her eyes to class and social issues affecting POC. Her interest in these issues eventually brought her to attend the University of New Mexico, originally applying for the Chicano Studies department with a minor in Flamenco dance. Soon after her sophomore year, she decided to switch her academic path to reflect her attraction to the visual arts.

Artist Statement:
The pieces I produce are the result of therapeutic practices such as poetry and painting in order to process life experiences involving abuse and self-destructive tendencies. The imagery incorporated into these works include overly flowered designs with soft petal details as well as stoic women to intentionally silence unpleasant memories while working through the process of forgiveness. I am working on a series titled “An Apology For Both You and I” in my final semester as I piece together an appropriate MFA portfolio. This series will include imagery revolving around acceptance, self-preservation, and responsibility in relation to familial relationships while struggling with perceived guilt of following the “selfish” pursuit of an artistic career path.