The hen has been central to the iconography of my paintings. I use the hen as a symbol historically linked to Latino(a) culture, and defined and limited by its gender and status. My use of decorative rhinestones exploits trendy and clichéd accoutrements of femininity, and is inspired by those T-shirts made for young girls, with a “Princess” or “Angel” iron-on decal.

Strawberry Shortcake and Lucky
22" x 22"
Acrylic, Enamel and Rhinestones
2002

Collections have become a central theme in my studio work as of late. Depicting middle-class comforts and the accumulation of material wealth has led to a poignant depiction of loss. As my family moves forward after my father’s stroke in 2001, eBay has become a major source of irritation and joy. With the variety and ease eBay offers, uncommon collections have made their way into the Exposito home, including the purchase of eight new Lazy-boy chairs. Somewhere on each painting, the loving portraits of my mother and father exist beside an empty recliner.

Pinnacle 8 1/2" x 8 1/2"
Acrylic, Enamel, Rhinestones 2006