Gem Abarca
He/they
Based in Tucson, Arizona, Gem is a trans Mexican-American multidisciplinary artist who specializes in performance based works and utilizing organic materials. Typically through their use of organic materials and the artist’s body, their 3D work examines themes of ethnic identity, gender, place/land, and western society’s relationship to nature in the anthropocene through critical anti-colonial ideologies. Inspiration for their work emerges from their lived experiences as a trans Mexican-American reconnecting to their indigenous roots while living in America, interests in 80s punk, the avant-garde, and a close examination of their respective identity’s history. Working in 2D, the artist shifts their practice to creating reproducible works politically charged for education, calls to action, or pride in their identity.
Drag Queens Teaching Kids Their History, Community Mutual Aid, Free Sustainable Food, Resistance Against Violence and Control
CMYK ink on paper
$50