Maddy Gomez: Mariposa

Artist Statement

Mariposa is about the disappearance of my family’s wealth and the unspoken impact it had on the generational women of my family, prompting questions of whether or not they’d be able to survive after migrating to the US. It is narrated by my aunt who experienced this first hand.

To create a sense of immersion, I’ve incorporated real footage dating from the 2000s all the way back to the 70’s, during the period she describes. While searching for the footage, I found it therapeutic to step back in time and watch my family grow up. The narration is recorded from a phone call with my aunt. I wasn’t sure it would work out, while editing, but I found it surprisingly cohesive once finished. I also incorporated two classical piano pieces that I grew up listening to while cooking in the kitchen with my abuelita.

My goal for this film is to tell the story of the struggle Mexican women can face when they’ve been abandoned in a foreign country. I know it can be scary having to start a new life in a country you’re unfamiliar with, so I hope this film brings comfort to people in similar situations, knowing the women in my family made a successful life for themselves here in America.

2021 VADS - People's Choice Voting

About the project 

• Title of Work: Mariposa
• Medium: Video
• Student's Name: Maddy Gomez
• Major: Digital Storytelling
• Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2023
• Hometown: Allen, Texas
• Student's Mentor: Nick Potter
• Mentor's Department: School of Visual Studies
• Art Project ID: 21VADS - 014