Life and death

Life and death

Diana Gonzalez

Life and death

Hand embroidery on silk

2024



A handkerchief is an essential object in my family. My grandparents always carry one, my father keeps a napkin tucked in his work clothes, and my mother had one in her purse to clean us up as kids. Though simple and meant to be overlooked, for me, a handkerchief carries deep meaning—it symbolizes care, comfort, and the feeling of home. In this project, I wanted to explore materials that feel ordinary yet meaningful to many people, combining them with motifs that reflect the cycle of life and traditions passed through generations. Each handkerchief in this collection tells a story. Some feature the handkerchief I carry daily, while others portray the life cycle of the granadilla, a fruit native to Colombia. The granadilla has been my favorite fruit since my earliest remembered trip to Colombia. Its sweet taste and playful texture have always reminded me of home and warmth. Through hand embroidery, I stitched together these personal objects and symbols of home, creating a collection that reflects the memories, traditions, and connections I cherish.

Creator: Diana Gonzalez

Area: Houston / Downtown

Contributor: Diana Gonzalez

Source: Diana Gonzalez

Uploaded by: Justin Patera

Copyright status: In copyright

Center for Mexican American Studies

Ode to my roots

Ode to my roots

Diana Gonzalez

Ode to my roots

Recycled Mixed Media & Acrylic Paint

2023



This project draws inspiration from my reconnection with my cultural roots as an adult living in the U.S., while maintaining a deep connection to my ancestral home in Colombia. I wanted to highlight one of Colombia’s most beautiful celebrations—the Carnaval of Barranquilla—through my own artistic lens. This vibrant festival of music, dance, and art brings people together to celebrate life and community. For this piece, I created my own renditions of the iconic marimonda masks, alongside elements of Colombia’s rich flora, fauna, and mythological creatures like El Hombre Caimán. The joy I felt while creating these sculptures sparked a deeper exploration of my Latina roots, both as an artist and as a person. I hope viewers experience that same joy and connection when engaging with this piece.

Creator: Diana Gonzalez

Area: Houston / Downtown

Contributor: Diana Gonzalez

Source: Diana Gonzalez

Uploaded by: Justin Patera

Copyright status: In copyright

Center for Mexican American Studies

Flora y fauna

Flora y fauna

Diana Gonzalez

Flora y fauna

New Media Art, 3D modeling & net art

2023



Reminiscing on moments from my childhood, I recall how my family would tell me stories about Colombia’s flora and fauna. These tales sparked my imagination, filling my mind with vibrant, saturated images of the tropical climate and the memories I shaped through my parents’ stories. In this project, I wanted to represent the animals one might encounter in Colombia through a blend of sound art and hand embroidery. These beings are woven into an immersive experience, inviting visitors to step inside the textiles and be enveloped by my childhood reflections of what the tropical landscape means to me.

Creator: Diana Gonzalez

Area: Houston / Downtown

Contributor: Diana Gonzalez

Source: Diana Gonzalez

Uploaded by: Justin Patera

Copyright status: In copyright

Center for Mexican American Studies

Untitled

Sin título

Diana Gonzalez

Dreamscape

New Media Art, 3D modeling & net art

2023



Collaborative project in New Art City where we create a dreamscape into an artists mind.

Creator: Diana Gonzalez

Area: Houston / Downtown

Contributor: Diana Gonzalez

Source: Diana Gonzalez

Uploaded by: Justin Patera

Copyright status: In copyright

Center for Mexican American Studies

Acropara

Acropara

Diana Gonzalez

Acropara

2022



Video Created for Video Art Nights in downtown Dallas with Dallas Aurora for a screening at West End Square Park. My creative coding took me to explore the ocean life and forms of Acropora's and coral reefs to create these microscopic beings come larger than life.

Creator: Diana Gonzalez

Area: Houston / Downtown

Contributor: Diana Gonzalez

Source: Diana Gonzalez

Uploaded by: Justin Patera

Copyright status: In copyright

Center for Mexican American Studies