Post 2 Influences In Art Practices- Samantha Castro

1. Who are the 5+ artists you chose?

I chose Tanya Aguiñiga, Azikiwe Mohammed, Cao Fei, Aki Sasamoto, Puppy Puppy, and Pepón Osorio as my artists.

2. What were 5+ themes the artists addressed about making work?
Aguiñiga addresses themes of identity and belonging, especially the complexity of border identity, and visibility. Mohammed emphasizes community and belonging, ensuring underrepresented groups are seen in art. Cao Fei explores identity and self-exploration through avatars and digital worlds, questioning the line between virtual and physical realities. Sasamoto finds inspiration in daily life and explores motherhood and identity. Puppies Puppies tackles sanctuary and safety, particularly for trans women, and the tension between visibility and invisibility. Osorio explores contradiction and complexity, addressing cultural displacement and the struggles of belonging within Puerto Rican society.

3. What were the 5+ challenges the artists faced in making their work?
Aguiñiga faces the physical and emotional toll of performance work. Mohammed struggles with creating art for underrepresented communities, ensuring their stories are seen. Cao Fei faces the challenge of balancing public perception and commercial expectations. Sasamoto dealt with health restrictions that impacted her ability to drink, shaping her work. Puppy puppies confront the fear and hostility faced by trans individuals, especially in conservative environments. Osorio grapples with cultural displacement and the challenge of translating personal and communal stories into art.

4. What were 5+ inspirations you drew from the artists?
I’m inspired by the theme of healing through art, using creativity as an emotional release. The artists’ focus on inclusion and representation motivates me to continue incorporating my cultural identity into my work. Cao Fei’s virtual reality exploration encourages me to explore digital platforms for self-expression. Sasamoto’s approach to imperfection and balancing life with art resonates with me, inspiring more openness and flexibility in my process. Puppies Puppies’ transformation of a bedroom into a sanctuary for marginalized communities inspires me to create safe spaces through my work. Osorio’s exploration of belonging and displacement deeply connects with my own experiences.

5. What were 5+ things you would like to incorporate into your own work after watching these videos?
I would like to incorporate more of my identity, experiment with different materials, embrace womanhood in my themes, explore cultural identity further, and experiment more with my creative process.