El mismo de desierto de siempre

El mismo de desierto de siempre

Briana Amelia Vargas Simón 

El mismo desierto de siempre 

2020



In Sierra Blanca, Texas, just past the US Border Patrol checkpoint, the wide open space of the beautiful and hostile Chihuahuan Desert landscape of West Texas hangs framed like a painting on the wall of one of many abandoned buildings of a town that in the 90s was designated as a sludge dump and radioactive waste depository.

Creator: Briana Amelia Vargas Simón

Area: Houston / Downtown

Contributor: Briana Amelia Vargas Simón

Source: Briana Amelia Vargas Simón

Uploaded by: Justin Patera

Copyright status: In copyright

Center for Mexican American Studies

Alejandro, antes de la cirugía

Alejandro, antes de la cirugía

Briana Amelia Vargas Simón 

Alejandro, antes de la cirugia

2021



This is a portrait of my brother, Alejandro, who has epilepsy. The scar is from focal resection brain surgery, which helped reduce his seizures but also left him visually impaired. His relationship with the neurological illness has evolved over the decades. Witnessing the terror and resentment that gripped him as a child transform into acceptance and healing in adulthood makes me so proud to be his sister. There is raw fortitude, love, hope, and release in his courageous approach to a difficult reality.

Creator: Briana Amelia Vargas Simón

Area: Houston / Downtown

Contributor: Briana Amelia Vargas Simón

Source: Briana Amelia Vargas Simón

Uploaded by: Justin Patera

Copyright status: In copyright

Center for Mexican American Studies

Maniobra y herencia de Sara Simón

Maniobra y herencia de Sara Simón

Briana Amelia Vargas Simón 

Maniobra y herencia de Sara Simon

2024



This china poblana skirt was handmade by my great-grandmother Sara Olivas Simón (1904-2007) in the 1960s. When one day she put it up for sale, my Abue Brisa secretly bought it and kept it until it came into my hands. Being able to wear it 60 years later fills me with love and pride for forming part of the thread of women who create, guard and preserve our culture.

Creator: Briana Amelia Vargas Simón

Area: Houston / Downtown

Contributor: Briana Amelia Vargas Simón

Source: Briana Amelia Vargas Simón

Uploaded by: Justin Patera

Copyright status: In copyright

Center for Mexican American Studies

Mi familia en vida, asomándose al otro lado

Mi familia en vida, asomándose al otro lado

Briana Amelia Vargas Simón 

Mi familia en vida, asomándose al otro lado

2023



My family visiting the tomb of my great-grandmother and namesake, Amelia Valenzuela, in Chihuahua, Chihuahua, during our last family trip.

Creator: Briana Amelia Vargas Simón

Area: Houston / Downtown

Contributor: Briana Amelia Vargas Simón

Source: Briana Amelia Vargas Simón

Uploaded by: Justin Patera

Copyright status: In copyright

Center for Mexican American Studies

Punzadas delicadas, horizontes sin fin

Punzadas delicadas, horizontes sin fin

Briana Amelia Vargas Simón 

Punzadas delicadas, horizontes sin fin

2024



Ocotillo dots the Franklin Mountains in El Paso, Texas. Desert flora and human life in the desert often mirror each other in their adaptations to the hostile conditions. We are sharp and protective, resilience in bloom.

Creator: Briana Amelia Vargas Simón

Area: Houston / Downtown

Contributor: Briana Amelia Vargas Simón

Source: Briana Amelia Vargas Simón

Uploaded by: Justin Patera

Copyright status: In copyright

Center for Mexican American Studies