Ashley Hernandez
Ashley Hernández is a Queer Afro-Dominican visual artist, creator, pleasure activist, actor, and educator based in New York City. Her work is dedicated to creating art spaces where Black and Brown youth can voice their stories and celebrate their identities. As the founder of the "Be Too Much" movement, Ashley champions the empowerment of marginalized communities, encouraging individuals to embrace their uniqueness, liberate their voices, and boldly express themselves through the arts. Her mission is to inspire others to unapologetically occupy space and celebrate their true selves.
Presentations from Facing Race 2024
Kaleidoscope of Identity: From Unseen to Seen Through Art
A kaleidoscope is a tube of mirrors reflecting colored glass pieces, with the angle of the mirrors shaping what we see. Drawing inspiration from Kenyan-American artist Wangechi Mutu, who transforms images from magazines that fail to represent her culture into powerful art that creates presence from absence, this workshop invites you to create a collage that addresses and challenges your own sense of invisibility. Together, we’ll explore how to assert visibility, take control of your place in media narratives, and dismantle imposed hierarchies to make room for your authentic story. Join us in this creative journey to discover how you can commit to being seen and redefine the space you occupy in the world.
Speakers: Ashley Hernandez, Janelle Matias