This Painter Sheds Light on the Unknown Histories of Latin America

Crystal Latimer’s art is embedded in her cultural roots. Born in Hollywood, CA, her paintings explore the meeting point of Western and Latin American cultures by borrowing themes from folk art. Tropical flora and warm hues are juxtaposed with graffiti tags, and images of conquest interrupt the patchwork of shape and color.

Her artwork often references important historical paintings, with the aim of drawing attention to the visual tapestries and unknown histories of Latin America. Patterns, both traditional and commercial, are fragmented and pieced together, with the finished result being a sort of organized chaos.

“Together, the fragmented, visual tapestries in my work are woven together to recreate historical narratives that better represent the hybrid Latino identity caused by colonization and upheld by westernization,” writes Latimer on her website.

Having graduated with a BFA from Slippery Rock University, Latimer went to receive an MA and MFA from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2013 and 2016, respectively; with her paintings being exhibited widely. But you can also follow her work via Instagram.