As @tacosdeluna I have 2 main zines I will be exhibiting. One is about hispanic poetry in romantic folk music, paired with luminous digital collages that illustrate the dream state of romance.
I will also be exhibiting a zine, which showcases a photographic essay zine about Our Lady de Guadalupe (Virgen de Guadalupe) and the representation of this icon all over the streets of Los Angeles (in murals, displays, home sanctuaries). The zine will also include the location of the mural, so it can serve as a sort of guide.
There is another zine in progress about re-imagined Loteria cards. These include the loteria illustrations with written captions from several collaborators.
Website:http://www.monicalealcueva.com
Instagram:http://www.instagram.com/tacosdeluna
Other social media:http://www.instagram.com/luna.technicolor
- Cut-and-paste
- Digital
- Folded
- Stapled
I started last year, because my friend asked for my help in designing one. He invited me to participate and I really liked the experience of meeting other artists and being able to be part of the community by talking to visitors about my work and what interests them. Making the zines hasn't been easy, but I have learned to like it and get better at it because after each one I make I learn something new about myself and decide to make the next one better.
Zines provide a filter-free expression that can describe, explain, share any aspect of anyone's culture. It can really make someone else get acquainted with cultural aspects they have never been exposed to. Even if a lot of Zinesters are, for example, Hispanic (like me), we all come from different states and different backgrounds and can always provide something new for others to learn about. Exhibiting zines also creates a sense of community, and it's a culture in itself.
Just do it. Write it down. Draw it. Photograph it. Sometimes your mistakes or your ingenuity is your ally because it shows an aspect of your personality that will make your zine special, but, do pay attention to quality and clarity of message.
LAstly, honesty in your work can be palpable and people will be drawn to it.
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