Gordita is a deeply personal and vulnerable body of work created during my time at California College of the Arts. Through this series, I examine the pervasive and lasting impact of fatphobia—both culturally and internally—and how it has shaped my sense of self. This work is not about celebrating the aesthetics of my fat body, but rather confronting the painful truths of living in it.

 

Using bold imagery and text, I developed a visual language intended to draw viewers into the emotional landscape of my lived experience. Each piece serves as a window into the grief, shame, and resilience that have defined my journey, inviting others to consider the ways fatphobia operates in Western society and within our own minds.

 

Gordita allowed me to explore the layered effects of cultural conditioning and self-perception, ultimately guiding me toward healing. Through this process, I began to foster a more compassionate relationship with my body. I learned to believe that I am enough, just as I am. Most importantly, I learned to forgive myself for the pain I carried for so long.

 

This series is an offering—a hope that others may find within it the feeling of being seen, accepted, and loved through the weight of grief we often silently bear.

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