This artwork began as a scanned photograph that I later transformed into a screen print, exploring themes of inside/outside and my duality as a Mexican American woman. The huarache represents my Mexican identity, while the vibrant colors reflect the American influences of my upbringing—Barbies, fashion magazines, and the pervasive imagery of blonde, white femininity. I used yellow to symbolize the blonde Barbie, embodying the unattainable standard that shaped my sense of self. Pink, in contrast, represents me, while the blend of pink and yellow creates an orangey-tan tone that signifies my Mexican heritage.

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     The layered colors and opposing placement of the huaraches visually express the tension of existing between two cultures—never fully American enough for Americans, nor Mexican enough for Mexicans. The dominant pink asserts my presence, affirming that I am both, refusing to choose one over the other. By physically dividing the image, I emphasize the struggle of being both an insider and an outsider in each culture.