Portrait of Jessy DeSantis
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Jessy DeSantis

About the Artist

Raised in a Nicaraguan household in Miami and inspired by her new home of Baltimore City, Jessy DeSantis is a self-taught artist creating meaningful, vibrant work. She explores her multi-cultural and biracial background, along with the complexities of identity. Her work is inspired by a connection to nature and community, and seeks to pass on stories of heritage to her children. Hers is a proud celebration of identity, culture, and belonging.

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Featured Work

Photos

part one of a two family portrait and storytelling series. Full story description on artist's website.
No soy de aquí ni soy de allá. A personal piece for the artist, it depicts a lone toucan on her stoop, a purposefully potted tropical plant, Mayan script reading from left to right "West Baltimore blessings", orange clay-like sidewalks and African Acacia trees lining the street symbolizing the rooted African-American heritage in her neighborhood.
The quetzal is found throughout Central America and is the national bird of Guatemala. It is sacred to the Maya and Aztec peoples. These three quetzales are perched on a historic water fountain found in Patterson Park, Baltimore. The quetzal birds compliment the colors found in the reflections of this once functioning metallic fountain. Their feathers acting like water pouring out from the fountain.
Translated to "The Spirit of the People", this piece features typical architecture found in the Highlandtown neighborhood in Baltimore where a growing population of Latin American immigrants now reside. Parrots, Central American pottery, and a Royal Poinciana tree are incorporated in a form of magical realism. The painting celebrates Latin American Heritage and immigrants in America, symbolizing the new life and vitality they bring with them to their new communities.
This piece is part of a Baltimore-inspired series celebrating Latin American immigrants, heritage, and diversity in America. The artwork features curious Red-lored Amazon parrots perched on a street sign in Baltimore. The Mayan symbol for "companion spirit" is within the crosswalk sign. This street sign is across from an elementary school where a large percentage of students are of immigrant families.