ARTIST STATEMENT
Crystal Galindo’s need to create started as a child, though she began studying and pursuing art as a career at 21 years old. After graduating from College of the Sequoias in 2009, Crystal moved on to double major in Painting and Chicano Studies at Sonoma State University, graduating in 2013.
Though faced with adversity and harsh critique, Crystal used her numerous self-portraits, body type exploration and focus on the Xicana experience to create her own artistic language. Inspired by the lack of representation of women of color in the media, Crystal’s work spotlights Xicanas in a positive, realistic light.
Crystal is currently completing a new series, "XINGONXS”, a body of work that uplifts womxn, femmes and non-binary folks of color while showcasing assertive stances and poses. The series aims to take up space in the fine arts world while catering to her audience across all class systems.
PLANTITAS (2021)
Plantitas is a series that puts womxn/femmes/gnc people of color in sensual, floral surroundings. Channeling the energy of nature and mother goddesses, berries and fruits drip with honey and dew. The colorful flowers and leaves adorning their faces create lovely springtime crowns, accentuating the subject's beauty.
PINK TEARDROPS (2018)
Pink Teardrops: Diary of a Sad Girl is an example of what would happen if someone were to walk into one of my large paintings and enlarge the iconography and symbols of the background. Each piece is introspective and serves as a glimpse into my life while pushing through depression and anxiety. Being a "Sad Girl" does not always mean your sadness is visible. It can be hidden in missed deadlines, canceled plans, restless nights and procrastination. My therapy is my art, and reconnecting with myself is pulling me out of this latest phase of sadness.
DULCERIA (2016)
As muxeres, we are taught to feel guilty for indulgence. Savory foods, sweet desserts, self love, even physical pleasure can be seen as taboo when we navigate the world as brown womxn. "Dulceria" explores how foods culturally connect ethnically indigenous people and create a familiar camaraderie among us. Muxeres adorned with sweet desserts and posed playfully among Mexican candies invite us into a dreamy world of exuberant self agency. Shifting the focus from guilt to extravagance lets the viewer know that we are allowed to indulge in anything that makes us feel good.
MULTIFACETICA (2013)
Multifacetica is a series that focuses on muxeres who inspire and encompass strength, power and pride. Using realistic portraits against dream like worlds of icons, shapes, sacred symbols and personal artifacts, the viewer is invited into an excavation of the subject. Celebrating xicanas of different walks of life gives them the power to tell their own stories, free from white supremacy and patriarchy. Focusing on this specific group and uplifting their world invites a much needed shift in paradigm.
