Edwin Perez-Hernandez
Photography
Artist Statement
“What does it mean to be Chicano/a,” is a photographic series that investigates cultural identity and explores the values the culture embodies and their impact on individuals within the Chicano community. The photographs document Individuals who identify as Chicano/a, including the artist himself, who invited individuals to direct their own photographs to best capture their identity how they express and their experience being Chicano/a. This community is vast and present across America, although subtly present in some areas and more prominent in others. The rich culture of delicious foods, traditions, and clothing are present in the images in both prominent and subtle ways., All Chicano/a(s) have different experiences but they all stem from similar roots. Being a part of this culture gives us the ability to grow in many ways, even in different lands to those of our family and friends. This culture is a gift that deserves to be shown to the world!
Edwin Perez-Hernandez, Edwin, 2023, archival inkjet print, 13x20
Edwin Perez-Hernandez, Perez-Hernandez, 2023, archival inkjet print, 8x13
Edwin Perez-Hernandez, Reyna Guerrero, 2023, archival inkjet print, 8x13
Edwin Perez-Hernandez, Marco, 2023, archival inkjet print, 20x13
Edwin Perez-Hernandez, Ariana, 2023, archival inkjet print, 13x20
Edwin Perez-Hernandez, Sotelo Avila, 2023, archival inkjet print, 8x13
Artist Bio
Edwin Perez-Hernandez is a Chicano photographic artist from a suburb of Chicago. He creates work exploring and amplifying the vast Chicano and Mexican culture and the voices of the individuals he meets. With photography he finds a way to shine a light on Mexican Americans, their businesses, and their livelihood to bring awareness and appreciation to them and to show just how beautiful the Mexican culture can be. He has had works shown in galleries such as the Past & Pleasant exhibition at Ellwood Historic House; Faces of Belonging Annette and Jerry Johns Gallery; (Un)process(Ing), Gallery 215; A breath of Fresh air, Gallery 4224; Alternative Photography Exhibition, and the Zhou B. Art Center, Chicago. He, alongside the Photography department at Northern Illinois University hold the world record for the World's Largest Paper Snowflake. He is also a part of the Belonging in Stem team where a team mentored by Jessica Labatte aims to create a more inclusive representation of individuals working in STEM fields.