LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A Las Vegas artist has built an exhibition around a phrase many Latina women grew up hearing: “calladita te ves más bonita,” or “you look prettier when you’re quiet.”
Mexican artist Yazmin Garcia was born in Guadalajara and brought to Las Vegas at 2 years old. Garcia said much of her work pulls from her life as a first-generation Mexican American.
For many first-generation families, the oldest daughter can carry a title that comes with responsibilities long before adulthood.
“As eldest daughters, we don’t really take the time to nurture ourselves. Take a moment to heal ourselves. And because we’re just going, going, going,” Garcia said.
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Exhibit explores generational identity
Garcia’s exhibition, “Para las Hijas Mayores,” fills the walls of the Pearson Community Center. It explores healing, identity and the generations of women connected through family.
“I do belong here. I am worthy. And I’ve come to a point where it’s like, wow, I’ve been chasing something that has already been mine since the beginning,” Garcia said.
“Our past generations, our future, our present. But then I even started thinking about it a little bit deeper. As women, our past, present and future intertwined together,” Garcia said.
Garcia said becoming an artist in Las Vegas meant overcoming her own doubts.
“I do belong in this space to create and to show other women, especially little brown girls, that they have a voice, that they are able to create, and they are worthy of belonging,” Garcia said.
Garcia said the work is meant to challenge another message many girls grow up hearing.
“You know that saying, calladita, te ves mas bonita. Like, I’m not quiet. Like, I’m gonna talk, and I’m gonna speak, and I’m gonna create what is on my mind and what is on my, in my heart,” Garcia said.
Community workshop set for Thursday
Garcia is hosting a free community workshop at the Pearson Community Center Thursday, Oct. 8, from 4 to 6 p.m.
Garcia’s exhibition will remain on display through Oct. 22.
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