Sandra Carmona

Ke’aku (Hi), my name is Sandra Carmona, and I am of Wixárika descent, Chicana, the daughter of farmworkers, and a muralist for more than 20 years. I come out of the struggle—brought up in poverty and around gangs—I was blessed to be part of a tightly knit, strong, and colorful barrio that influences my art. My art is the sounds, colors, and smells all found in my community. My art is intended to amplify the voices of my people and to showcase our culture, contributions, struggles, and vibrancy.

In my personal time, I founded and led Calpulli Omeyocan, a Mexica/ Native American dance school. Our vision is to present and preserve our Indigenous roots through art form centering music and dance. Calpulli Omeyocan is a seventeen-year (17) year grassroot and a self-sustaining group. In my free time, I volunteer to teach art to marginalized communities. I use art as medicine to heal.

IVDM is excited to have 3 paintings created by Carmona on display as part of Native Voices | Native Truths: A Contemporary Experience.

You can find more of Carmona’s work on Instagram @SandraCarmonaArt.

Nahualismo

11 in x 14

This Self-portrait painting depicts a figure shape shifting from a hawk to a woman in the traditional body paint of Tezcatlipoca, deity of naguales. In many indigenous traditions naguales are powerful people that poses the ability to convert into their animal spirit.

Yáavi Iyari, Coyote Heart

11 in x 14

The journey of self-discovery while waking the red road. A young warrior with eyes ablaze with fierce intent.

I am the Resistance

11 in x 14

A modern-day Aztec dancer painted with warrior symbols. Danza guerrera Mexica (Mexica warrior dance): an act of resistance. A political statement against colonialism and its intentional attempt at erasing Mexican indigeneity.