Ruby L Fernandez
Gouache and Collage on Foam Board, 20x28in
Where Do I Go After That? is a visualization of my journey in what is has been like to go through the foster system, as a foster youth student, and a part of FYRE. Everybody’s journey and relationship to this status is different, and that’s something I wanted to be conscious of as I created this piece, represented by the colorful colors used primarily on the figure, to allow others to project themselves onto the figures seen in this painting. I also wanted to use colors that people associate with strong emotions to invoke self-introspection, the use of blue and red, and the mixing of these colors throughout the piece, to recall inner turmoil and struggle some foster youth may have dealt with in their time. However, while acknowledging the vast experience of people, I also wanted to acknowledge the things that bring us together, that have allowed so many of us to do what we might not have thought possible. A big stable in my art is the use of mixed media, especially collage, that is done with purposeful intent, which is done here with real documents that many of us have encountered in our time in the system. The collaged halo-like shapes and cutouts surrounding the figures are made up of court documents, adoption papers, and Financial Aid forms. It is these exact pieces of paper that have opened so many doors for so many people.