Fung Collaboratives is thrilled to present the first exhibition of Homero Carillo-Leon. This powerful and relevant installation came from a simple class assignment for an introductory level University art course. Lance immediately recognized the strength of the visual and narrative elements when grading the assignment. Realizing the Art Kiosk has the opportunity to exhibit unknown artists, Lance began workshopping with Homero resulting in a profound installation that questions and warns every one of the pitfalls of stereotyping. The exhibition’s young person point of view of helplessly watching the country ravage groups of people based on ignorance and lies. We hope that all in person and online visitors read Homero’s statement and reflect upon the images we are presenting through the Art Kiosk. Through this simple yet engaging work, the artist surpasses discussion of politics, race, and inequity while addressing the root of all evil and challenges each of us to be better.
Artist Statement
I have never been a fan of stereotypes and have always felt struck by how others expect me to behave. Personally, I have not been attacked very often, which I am grateful for, but I have witnessed these actions directed at my family and friends. As a child I had to learn English as a second language which really made me insecure. Eventually my heavy accent dissipated but the emotions remain. The memory of having to continually repeat myself because others could not understand me, left the feeling of incompetence.
My eighth grade teacher did not bother to remember my name so instead she called me Juan, Jose, and other common LatinX names instead of my name – Homero. The same teacher assumed I could not read, when in reality I could not see the chalkboard due to my poor eyesight and lack of eye glasses. Now, I am proudly a first generation University student of which “Not Defined” is a four part installation and a class assignment for Professor Fung.
I reached out to four friends, each with special backgrounds, so I could hear and learn about their viewpoints on stereotypes. It was an eye opening experience. I admire each friend and now share through discourse, the path they take and burdens that weigh them, which all are based on uninformed prejudice, ignorance and bias.
One of my friends had his white, computer science professor ask him if he belonged in University simply because the student was the only person of color enrolled in the course. That is the type of shameful and repugnant interaction that really discourages a person from doing what they love and meet their full potential simply because of negative stereotypes. My intention behind “Not Defined” is to represent how stereotypes can silence and inhibit us. Beginning at a young age, stereotypes make feel us “less than” when in reality we are not defined by these inaccuracies. We do not have to allow or succumb to intentional lies meant to suppress certain groups of people, rather, all should support one another for a healthier and more beautiful world to live in.
About Homero Carrillo-Leon
Homero Carrillo-Leon is a twenty-one year old Mexican-American artist who was born in California. As a first generation University student, he is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Art degree specializing in Digital Media Art. Carrillo-Leon’s inspiration for his art comes from his own personal life experiences of family and references of pop culture. Carrillo-Leon often approaches his art from a comedic standpoint but will take a serious approach when the opportunity arises.