Artist Statement
Paolo Aquino
Social Justice Posters
Together we can figure out a way to stop all the racism and inequality that is currently happening in the world. The primary image shows people protesting in spite of the pandemic, because they want to find a way to make things better. My secondary image is picture of a protester holding up a sign that says, “I can’t breath.” Those word should be the key for police to stop their brutality before they kill another victim.
People who suffer from mental health issues should not be ashamed, because they are not alone. People should embrace their issues and work to deal with their mental health in a positive way. The background image is dark, which symbolizes how it feels to be in a dark place and not know what to do about it. But inside the darkness there is light, which shows that there’s more to life than the dark times. People can can use their strength and courage, and the support of family, friends and professionals, to find a way to a place of happiness and contentment. I would like my poster to have a positive impact on viewers and for them to feel uplifted.
Inclusive Stock Photography
The Inclusive Stock Photography project was designed to address the scarcity of people of color, multicultural people, and LGBTQ+ people in commercial stock photography by creating professional-quality images of these underrepresented people in a variety of everyday settings, including romantic and platonic relationships, family, and communities. The images I’ve selected include a gay and lesbian artists circle on the Big Island of Hawaii, a barista of Dominican descent at a barista competition in Inwood, and three CAW youth apprentices at the unveiling of their mural at PAL Harlem Center.