DIOS NO ME AMA
Charcoal on paper made by plotter, 16’” x 12” - 2024
In this series of charcoal monoprints created by a plotter machine, I reflect the frustrations of Pedro Chespirito, also known as Bumblebee Man from The Simpsons. "Chespirito," a Spanglish pronunciation of "little Shakespeare," is a character who is often relegated to the role of a bumbling, stereotypical Mexican fool. However, in rare moments when he breaks character, it becomes clear that Chespirito is not only well-educated but also articulate—a stark contrast to the clumsy persona he is forced to embody. This paradox mirrors the broader societal tendency to reduce immigrants to roles of “cheap” or “unskilled labor”, regardless of their past achievements or qualifications. For decades, this bias has confined many people of color to lower positions within the workforce, perpetuating a racial hierarchy that keeps them in subordinate roles compared to their white counterparts.