Contemporary Mexican art with a California influence

As a second-generation Mexican-American and Californian, my art merges bold, graphic styles with ancient imagery to address themes of belonging and purpose. By intertwining ancestral wisdom with contemporary aesthetics, I create pieces that transcend borders and speak to the soul, exploring the ultimate convergence of past and present. The inception of Deni Fuller Art was fueled by a vision to share Mexican-inspired art with a distinct California influence, offering a space where art becomes a deeply personal experience. From private collectors to Fortune 500 companies, my clients span the globe, reflecting the international reach of my art. With an MFA and BFA from San Francisco State University, coupled with over 25 years in Art Education, my journey as an artist is anchored in both tradition and innovation. Join me in this journey to delve into art that resonates deeply with today's issues.
An inside peek at the screen-printing process and my philosophy of the types of art that inspires me. Special thanks to Jesse Sanchez at https://watch-me-soar-films.squarespace.com/ for the creation of this video.
In this video, I show the process of my 4-color linoleum reduction print of Bobok the toad, a Yaqui animal folktale.
This piece tells the story of Mexico City redefining it's public spaces through both contemporary and ancient art.
In Mexico City, a significant narrative unfolded around the removal of the controversial Christopher Columbus statue, its replacement proposal called Tlalli, and the installation of an anti-statue named Justicia by feminist groups. The discovery of the Young Woman of Amajac, an ancient sculpture depicting a young woman from the Huastec civilization, added complexity to the situation. The ensuing debates led to a compromise in February 2023, with both Justicia and the Young Woman of Amajac coexisting in the same traffic circle, symbolizing the city's effort to redefine public spaces and acknowledge a more inclusive historical narrative. This process reflects a collective responsibility to honor the past while celebrating the resilience and diversity of the Mexican spirit.
I found inspiration in the thematic focus of the Call for Art presented by Sebastopol Center for the Arts, titled "Haven." This call prompted artists to explore the concept of sanctuary, both as a physical space and a state of mind. Specifically, it encouraged the portrayal of landscapes and self-portraits imbued with a sense of tranquility. Drawing from my personal experiences, I chose to base my self-portrait on the profound serenity and clarity I encounter when reciting an ancient Nahuatl blessing dating back to the 7th century. My deep connection to my Mexican heritage has provided me with solace and a profound sense of purpose. In the video, I present my artistic process with the words of the Nahuatl blessing as narration.
This linocut print captures a poignant psychological struggle in stark black ink. At its heart, a little girl holds a vivid red flower, symbolizing hope or redemption, while hiding a knife behind her back. Her shadow looms as a solid black demon, representing her inner fears. The print's dramatic contrast of light and dark highlights her vulnerable yet resolute confrontation with her inner turmoil.
9" x 12" Linoleum block print on unbleached Mulberry handmade paper
"In today's fast-paced, often chaotic world, we find ourselves longing for spaces where we can feel comfort, engage in thoughtful contemplation, and experience a sense of security. Sanctuaries come in many forms, whether they be physical places, metaphysical states of mind, or places of human connection."
I based my piece on an ancient Nahuatl blessing (the language of my Mexican Ancestors) which has given me comfort and peace. This self-portrait was part of a juried show titled "Haven: A Place of Comfort & Contemplation" by The Sebastopol Center of the Arts, CA.
Wood Panel 12" x 16" Acrylic paint
This artwork employs a traditional collage medium of magazine images, maps, marigold flower petals, printed materials, watercolor, and colored pencil to illustrate the evolution of public spaces in Mexico City. It highlights key events, including the removal of the Christopher Columbus statue and the installation of the Young Woman of Amajac and the anti-statue Justicia. The piece captures the intersection of contemporary and ancient art, reflecting the city's journey toward a more inclusive historical narrative.
Traditional collage (magazine images, maps, flowers, printed copies, watercolor, colored pencil) 20" x 24"
"California Love Song"
A lone Mariachi sings with the once common California grizzly bear, surrounded by bright orange California poppies. "California Love Song pays homage to the strength of the State (represented by the Grizzly Bear), the beauty of its natural landscapes (California Poppies), and the history of Mexicans being a part of the land before California became a state.
3-color hand screen-printed on 11" x 14" 135lb Richeson heavy printmaking paper
This artwork intertwines elements of California—such as quail, poppies, the monarch butterfly, and golden hills—around a Día de los Muertos figure. It honors the dreams and rich history of my Mexican ancestors in the Golden State, tracing back to the period when the region was part of Mexico, known as "Alta California."
Acrylic Paint on Framed Wood Panel 16” x 20”
"Rise"
A Dia de los Muertos phoenix triumphantly rises from the flames. This piece was created for a gallery show centered around the theme incorporating text
with imagery held at Live Worms Gallery,
North Beach San Francisco.
Acrylic paint on 8” x 10” wood panel
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