Flavor: Brown or Coconut

This painting represents my identity as a Mexican American and reflects nostalgia from my childhood growing up within the culture and community of San Antonio, TX.
One paleta is labeled the Flavor “Brown,” with another behind it labeled the Flavor “Coconut.” I also altered the brand name of a local Paleta store from my neighborhood growing up to reflect culture, pride in who I am, and the memories of going to this Paleta store as a kid. The flavor “Brown” represents my racial identity, while the flavor “Coconut” references a name I was sometimes referred to growing up, referring to being brown on the outside, and white on the inside because I did not speak Spanish. Although playful and nostalgic it also holds weight to sometimes dealing with expectations, revealing how language and appearance are often used to define authenticity and belonging. Dont let anyone define who you are, be proud of who you are and where you come from.