My work is grounded in the experiences of the Southwest and brings together a multiplicity of syncretic forms and practices—from those of Aztec Mexico and Spain to cross-border vernacular traditions—all of which are shaded by contemporary American customs and values.
My work explores the unusual relationships that result from negotiating different strategies of understanding and representing the rich ways of life and thought found in the Southwest. Whether investigating spiritual rituals or questioning gender traditions my intention is to confront the viewers’ assumptions.
My interest with Malcriadas, those women who just will not conform to the social norm, started by looking at the folklore of Doña Sebastiana—a Northern New Mexican death figure—and turned towards women boxers.
Excerpt from Montoya, Delilah. 2016. “Artist’s Statement: Malcriada Aesthetics/Bad Girl Realities.” Journal of Mujeres Activas en Letras y Cambio Social 15(2): 10-16.
