Chantal Lesley
As a first-generation American with parents from Peru and Germany, raised in a Mexican-American border town, my American Dream is defined by navigating cultural intersections, resisting assimilation, and healing generational trauma. My art reflects this journey of belonging—I reclaim my power, amplify marginalized voices, and challenge the colonial gaze. Through my work, I invite others to explore the liminal spaces between cultures and identities, asserting my place in the world while fostering connection and understanding on my own terms.
Thoughts on the lab
Latitude was my first artist residency and still one of the most formative experiences in my practice. It gave me space to fully commit to my work and helped me build confidence in my artistic voice and direction.
The experience also expanded my professional network in a meaningful way, and I have continued to stay in touch with curators and artists I met there. Beyond the work itself, it affirmed that my practice can exist in a wider contemporary art context and that I can take up space within it.