silver gelatin print
“The social issue my artwork addresses is racial stereotyping and microaggressions. This topic became particularly important to me after watching a Trump rally, where a comedian made a disgusting joke about Puerto Rico, calling it a “floating island of garbage.” Growing up, I never fully recognized the discrimination around me, but that moment made everything painfully clear. To express this, I used a photo of my mother, who has lived in multiple countries throughout her life—born and raised in India, then Canada, and later Puerto Rico. Through these experiences, she gained deep respect for Puerto Rican culture and traditions. I chose to overlay the image of her with the bold statement, “I am not trash,” as a powerful rebuttal to harmful stereotypes that disregard the humanity in every person.”
ARTIST BIO: Natalie KENTER is a student at Summit Country Day School studying art under art teacher Carrie Barnett.