This work is an on-going collaboration with colleague, Alex Nuño-Liu. In 201, she described to me her vision depicting the non-stereotypical lives of immigrant families. Often, immigrants from Mexico and South America are portrayed as laborers, janitors, landscapers among others. which overshadow the individual and their unique diverse journey to a better life. This thesis show is an evolving interactive and mobile version of Alex’ original vision; a digital archival of these family histories migrating from and longing for their former home.
FEATURED ON:
Using the Paleta Cart
- The interaction requires at least two people.
- Stand where the Paletero would stand and place your hands on the metal handle.
This will activate the family stories. - Once you let go, the video will reset until the next person places their hands on the cart handle.
About the Stories
Participants were asked four questions.
- What is your name?
- Where are you from?
- What brought you to America?
- What do you miss the most?
These stories, rich in visual detail, were then animated into mini-vignettes.
About the Collaborators
Alex Nuño-Liu was born and raised in San Jose. Alex is a first generation Mexican-American and is a graduate of San Jose State University. She currently lives in San Jose with her husband and three children.
Ricardo Cortez is a Bay Area
Chicano New Media artist using personal experience and cultural identity as a framework for artistic expression.
Through the use of emerging technologies, he regenerates an aesthetic experience of subcultures that encourage interaction – allowing the audience to become an integral part of the art experience.