Aurora Molina
My work is concerned with the objectification of beauty and the growing anonymity of the elderly in our society. I believe a clear connection exists between the media-fueled manipulation, edification and standardization of physical beauty and the increasing denial of the actual process of physical aging. To be old today is to slowly become invisible. My work is, in many ways, a critique of this postmodern iconography as it attempts to highlight not only the natural process of aging but society’s concomitant refusal to recognize it as such. My pieces attempt to draw attention to the ways in which this self-absorption is encouraged by an unfettered individualism which unchallenged serves only to fracture family ties, friendships and the larger social consciousness, creating an awkward integration when the individual no longer conforms to the established standards. I examine this growing need to connect by focusing on individual narratives. Whereas society has slowly created “fictions” and “virtual realities” to replace the real, I instead direct the spectator’s attention to the everyday real happenings of ordinary lives.
There’s an undeniably playful aspect to all of my work. The soft sculptural creatures I make are created as if they were belligerent, ill-behaved children, demanding attention. The use of fabric and the obsessiveness of embroidery defines my work and honors that centuries-old legacy of women weavers and artisans. The embroidery machine facilitates a delicate and yet frenetic pace. Every time I sew, I connect the tension of my foot on the pedal to the movement of my hands as I guide the fabric’s surface into what I want to draw.
So (Sew) Americans Do Care
This project was conceived to guarantee that immigrant children and their parents, who were separated in many cases, know that Americans DO care, whether that are first generation or those whose great great grandparents arrived on the Mayflower. We wish to do our part, to let them know that e support the Constitution of the united State so that each individual who comes to our shores, receives due process and the right to see an attorney, a judge, as well as fair treatment.
Artist, Aurora Molina, who works in fiber, is an immigrant herself who came to the United States to rejoin her father, after 8 years of separation from him. She received her undergraduate degree at the University of Miami and her graduate degree in Spain and is currently a practicing artist in the United States. The artists is shown at the Bernice Steinbaum Gallery in Miami. She photographed children who are living in detention centers separated from their parents. There are then children whose photographs have been reproduced in an edition of 100 using a process called laser etching. The purchase price is $25. Each portrait will come with a “how to” kit which will house embroidery thread, embroidery hoop, embroidery needle, and some suggestions for embroidery stitches, as well as information on Americans for Immigrant Justice. The kits make wonderful gifts for the holidays or special occasions. Your check must be made to American for Immigrant Justice. All proceeds will go directly to the organization to guarantee that these refugees and children will have the rights afforded to them to which they are entitled.
We do hope you will join us in securing justice for these refugees that have made America string in the past and will continue to do so in the future.
To purchase a Sewing Kit please email bernicenobs@gmail.com