Meet Marissa Reyes | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marissa Reyes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marissa, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
As an undergrad I studied Art History, and this is what initially peaked my interest in art. I remember studying the countless European artists, mostly male and seeing their beautiful works that were well documented throughout history. Over the next 4 years as I went through the rest of my undergraduate degree courses and graduate degree courses, I matured as an artist and those early years stuck with me. I wanted to be the representation I did not see all those years, I wanted to show the artworld what art from a Mexican woman can look like, I set out on a path to carve out a space for women like me. My paintings strive to be a safe space for brown women, a place where we don’t have to fear the harsh and heavy standards that are placed on us by society and the patriarchy. I want women to reclaim their love for their bodies. My plump, twisted and elongated bodies are far from the idealistic standards that are placed on woman, I reject and detest this in my work. I work everyday to be that representation I was missing, I want one day for a young brown girl in an Art History class to see my work and for her to see herself in the sea of male European art.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Most women remember that moment in grade school: You’re sitting at a lunch table, about to enjoy a banana, when suddenly a group of boys burst into laughter.

Having been objectified at an early age has altered the way I view men, and myself. In my work, I explore sexism, the female form, and the varied emotions that encompass romantic relationships. I use the image of the banana as a prop and as part of a running “phallic” joke, one in which a man’s identity is reduced to the yellow fruit he holds so dear, and I use self-portraiture to convey the emotional conversations women have with themselves about the relationship choices they make. In this way, I hope to provide the male viewer a private look into some intimate moments of pain, and I hope to provide women a space where they can see themselves as more than just objects.

I do this with a touch of humor that, like the phallic jokes, I still don’t quite understand.

It definitely was not easy to get to where I am today, I’d say I’m a late bloomer. I found who I was artistically in my second year of grad school, before then I created art without really knowing why. I overcame that challenge by committing myself to my work and really understanding why I am painting what I paint. This sounds easier than it is, this was an extremely difficult task.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m kinda a homebody nowadays, always in my studio working on what’s next, but I’ll give it my best shot. I’m from the San Gabriel Valley, so first we’d start off there. I’d take them to the original Donut Man in Glendora for the most delicious donuts, then hit up the Tierra Mia Coffee in West Covina for an Iced Horchata Latte then head across the street to grab some fresh sushi from Tokyo Central. After that we’d head to Pasadena and go to the Norton Simon Museum to see some of my favorite works of art. After spending hours there, we’d head to East LA to Tacos Baja for the best seafood burrito. Then I’d take them to Downtown LA to Las Perlas to get some delicious tequila drinks maybe catch dome live music. Then finally I’d take them for dinner in Santa Anita at Din Tai Fung for dumplings. Alot of the time is spent sitting in bars and restaurants because I love talking over a meal and drinks, its comforting and some of the best times I’ve had has been with friends and food.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I really found myself as an artist in grad school, I’d have to say without the help from my cohort and my professors, I’m not sure I would be where I am today. Julian Hoeber, Devin Troy Strother and David Pagel are a few of my professors who pushed me and helped me become the artist I am today. I am very grateful for them and for everyone who helped me throughout my two years at Claremont Graduate University.

Instagram: devils__plaything

Image Credits
Anthony Chacon