Artist of the day, November 11: Criselda Vasquez, an American painter (#835)

Criselda Vasquez is a painter. Perhaps accidentally, she is also an activist. Criselda went to The San Francisco Art Institute to study art. By trade and by profession she is an artist. In her paintings, Criselda accurately captures the faces of her family and those closest to her. In each brushstroke, each shadow, each touch of a different shade on her subjects’ faces tells a story of a hard life full of sacrifice and fight – a relatable pain most immigrants face as they leave loved ones, parents, and children alike, for a better life.

When Criselda posted her "The New American Gothic" painting in May of last year, we all instantly became captivated by the message the emotion and the honesty behind her painting. In the masterpiece, Criselda powerfully catches her mother and her father’s expressions after a long day of work. As they hold cleaning supplies and stand in front of a red Chevy truck, her mother looks strong yet gentle and graceful while her father is focused and serious - perhaps the beautiful combination and balance that has helped carry the family through many obstacles. In her Instagram caption, Criselda pays homage to her parents not only through her paintings but through her words. She expressed “Sadly, they strive to be invisible every day. They don’t have to pretend to illustrate the invisible. They have dealt with constant rejection, suspicion, and fear so long, that it seems now that it comes naturally to them”.

It has been hailed as a representation of not only the suffering of our people, but also the quiet, harmless, and gentle fight behind their need to have a better life. Criselda reminds us that it is those with a modest life path that needs to be applauded for their resilience. While they fight to find better, they don’t do it with the intention of harming anyone else. They are accepting of their current circumstances without giving up hopes for better ones in the future. They have the unbreakable spirits and they should be applauded for surviving against all odds.

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Ms. Criselda Vasquez

2014, Totally Epic

2015, Abuelo

2015, American Monster

2016, At the End of Her Day

2016, Jack in the Box

2016, Keeping America Clean

2016, It's Been Years Since I Seen His Face

2017, Jorge

2017, Lindsey

2017, Mykah

2017, The American Dream

2017, The New American Gothic

2017, The New American Gothic detail

2018, Come and Get Me

2018, I am Princess Sofia

2018, I am Princess Sofia detail

2018, I am Princess Sofia detail

2018, Untitled

2019, Lindsey with Bottle Cap Earrings

2019, Lindsey with Bottle Cap Earrings

El Borracho

Generosa detail

Her Morning Routine

Sweet Carlitos