ARCHIVES

BAM ARCHIVES ( 2015 -  )

MINDFUL DISRUPTION

September 12 - November 20, 2024

Chantal Lesley was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley. Being the daughter of immigrants from both Germany and Peru has caused her to feel stretched between four cultures and has led her to confront ideas that focus on identity and social and political issues in her work.

“My work is driven by a demand to be seen and understood while uncovering the layers of my identity as part of four different cultures: Peruvian, German, American, and Mexican. Being a part of multiple cultures has forced me to navigate the process of assimilating into each culture simultaneously, leading often to feelings of alienation. In response, I create tangible objects that explore my past experiences, allowing me to connect with and challenge viewers. I create a visual narrative that reflects the loss of ethnic roots and explores the isolation and confusion felt from multiple cultures, a metaphor for the in-betweendiscovering a mental space that I have constructed while delving into my personal and familial past. Self-portraiture allows a form of empowerment and relying on symbolism connects me with my audience in a universal way to challenge the viewer to consider their preconceptions of women of color. My work is a way to turn the colonial gaze upon itself and regain my power and agency.”