13 Latinx Artists Creating Impact Within Their Culture

Mata, who is a native New Yorker, said that for her, photography has always been in her blood: "I come from a family of photographers, including mi abuelo (grandpa) Luis Mata, who focused on weddings, and mi tia (aunt) Chayo Mata, who shot all things fashion."

"I've continued this artistic tradition by documenting life as a native New Yorker in NYC, where I live now, and as a tejana in San Antonio, Texas, where I spent my summers with my family growing up."

She spoke about her recent work, saying, "My work has focused on tenants in NYC public housing, people taking a stand against injustices in our society and communities of unique music subcultures; I believe there is incredible power and strength when we collectively collaborate with one another to make change for a better future."

Domsquiat continued, "Coming from an immigrant family where being an artist is not encouraged, I strive to recreate visible representations and role models through photography."

For Gabriel, it's about breaking boundaries "and honoring those that came before you."

"It's about honoring all of the Latinx artists before me that paved the way."

"It's opened the doors to institutions I never dreamed of entering. It's made my world a lot bigger."

When asked about his views, work, and being Latinx, he said, "For myself, being of Hispanic descent has always had a big impact on my life as an artist and New Yorker."

"My work is consuming me and it feels absolutely amazing. I’m thoroughly addicted to creating, drawing, thinking, and birthing."

She feels she has a responsibility to break negative assumptions and "stereotyped visual representations of the Latinx community."

She wraps up by adding, "And it has also made me recognize and accept my own racial identity."

When Christian left NYC for school, he said he realized the responsibility he has, stating, "Everything about my people, about all of us, became so technicolor. My family, the way they danced, walked, spoke all of a sudden became my obsession. My surroundings at school felt dull. There was no merengue. Everything was about white photographers and their accomplishments."

He concluded by saying, "Against all odds, we shine. And with my camera and eye, I aim to capture it for others to see. My work has made me feel closer to my family and to the community around us. It's opened me up to loving even the difficult parts of my existence." Christian currently has a piece featured in the New York Times, which can be found here.

For Laura, it's all about centering her work "around the preservation of your respective culture (in whichever aspect connects you the most) while continuously battling notions that have been tainting our stories."

"Latinx artists today have SO much power to inspire and transcend the minds of the conservative thinkers in our communities fearful of the changes we deserve, but most importantly, the minds of the generations to come."

"It has also helped me create special bonds with other immigrants who understand what impacts our displacements have had on the development of our individual and collective narratives. My heart melts whenever someone expresses how my images of my homeland Dominican Republic heals the disconnect they have had with their Dominican heritage. That is what has motivated me the most lately."

For Joalis, it's about occupying spaces where "uncertainty is certain and navigating our marginalization and privilege is an extreme sport."

On how it has impacted her, she said, "It’s changed me because I no longer seek validation from spaces devoid of us. I can now create said space and just exist in it. And our sheer existence is resistance."

Josh went on to say that he struggled with the construct of "Latinx artist identity in a US context of race. And I grapple to find spaces that allow me to be accountable to my nuance and present my work. There are few platforms, if any, that wish to honor myself and my work, and then also compensate me as an artist for the artwork I do. Too often am I presented with opportunities that would allow me to occupy a space that is designed for but not afforded to my Brown/Black Latinx counterparts."

"I put reflection into practice because, to be transparent, I make art to impact others and not myself. And I’m impacted by how my art is received by my audience. I inform my craft with accountable, responsive, and transformative actions that seek to honor my heritage without exploiting it. My work must have the capacity to be built up and torn down as I continue to learn more about my lineage and unpack the parts of myself I’ve yet to discover."

"I’m a Dominican Haitian artist based in NYC. I live in the Bronx, but when I first came here, my first home was in the Heights. As a child, I had to assimilate to the culture and the environment around me, but it was always comforting to know that my people were around me and that I did not have to go too far to find ways to reconnect to my roots."

"As an Afro Latina, my very existence represents a reconciliation between two countries that don’t have the best of racial relationships. Therefore, it is important to me that the youth, an audience that doesn’t understand, or other people looking from the outside in see and experience what that reconciliation looks like in a person. I use my platform, my talents, and my gifts so that it can start spreading and potentially healing others from any chains that might be holding them back from accepting who they are. It is my hope that my work inspires others to change and start pursuing their dreams. My dream is to be part of the driving force that puts the arts back on demand for all types of artists!"

She has heard “your gift will make room for you” and feels that her work has given her the privilege of making human connections she never thought would be possible. Jadie went on to say, “As I have had the privilege to present my works in galleries, sing at the Apollo, and host an open mic at my church, I am so grateful for the ways that my life has been enriched by the very people I get to talk to and meet. Because of the grace and favor I’ve been given, I am constantly running to connect to people, get other people connected to potential opportunities, and keep teaching everything that I know for free (guitar, dance, art, and vocal lessons) as a way to respond with love to others who lack the very opportunities I’ve been blessed with.”

Jadie (along with five other artists) is currently part of a residency program with Bronx Art Space at Governors Island, from Sept. 31 to Oct. 31, where she is working on a documentary called ”Dreams of Faith.” To find out more, please check out her Instagram here.

Angely said, "Being from the Dominican Republic and immigrating to the US at an early age has given me insight and perspective from different cultural standpoints. To be a Latinx in today's society is to be split between two lands and connect with two countries."

Angely went on to say that "to be a Latinx artist in today's society is a beautiful thing. It's incredible to be able to express yourself through your art, creating something tangible that others can relate to and identify with. One of the art forms I choose to express myself with is fashion. I love creating designs that highlight and empower our African roots. Our African roots have been suppressed for so long in the Dominican Republic and in America."

She wrapped up telling BuzzFeed her highlights and message for her brand, stating, "Diaspora is a brand that works toward bridging the gap between our African identity, culture, and our modern style. Normalizing the wear of African textiles and creating a fresh, new story that highlights how proud we are of our African ancestry."

Diego explained that it can be complex not always knowing how to define himself: "Struggling to define my Mexican identity in the US. Learning to love my brown skin."

"More specifically, being a Latinx photographer in the world of fashion feels invisible. It means expressing myself in a white world of fashion that glorifies white skin. It means working hard to hear myself amid the noise of whiteness."

He continued, "For Black people fighting for civil rights to achieve basic human rights (and still a continuing struggle), for all the people of color that came before me, and for my parents and their courage to begin anew in the US. All of this led to me to express myself more freely. So that I could heal, reflect, and evolve as a person and spirit. And I have the obligation as an artist to now choose how that world looks like moving forward more than ever."

"As Latinx creatives, we live in between so many identities, never fitting into a perfect box. I am too vulgar, too prude. Too American, too 'ethnic'. I want my art to capture and CELEBRATE the endless diverse identities, bodies, beings, and pleasures (big and small)."

"However, instead of words, I use sensual paintings to share my truth — a truth that has historically been silenced in our culture. That passion for pushing bounds paired with a commitment to hard work makes me feel proud to share my story and art as a Queer-Femme Latina." She concluded, "Art and creativity gives us the opportunity to lean into curiosity of the unknown to create big change. My art takes the cultural norm of shame and flips the narrative to show the joyful experience of BIPOC pleasure and love."