About

Jaclyn is a multi-media fine artist, curator, and experienced art events coordinator whose work bridges cultural identity, mental health, politics, and the human experience. As a Mexican American with Indigenous ancestry, Jaclyn’s art is deeply rooted in her heritage, exploring the intersections of these diverse cultures through vibrant color palettes, iconographic imagery, and the visual language of Meso-America, Mexico, and Latin America.
Raised in a household that embraced both Italian-American values and her Mexican-American roots, Jaclyn’s upbringing was primarily shaped by the nurturing influence of her Nana, who instilled in her the traditions and sensibilities of her Italian heritage. This duality—of Mexican and Indigenous ancestry alongside Italian-American culture—has given Jaclyn a unique perspective on identity, family, and belonging, which is reflected in her artwork. Through this complex blend of influences, Jaclyn has come to realize that her personal and artistic identity can draw strength from multiple cultural sources.
In her multi-disciplinary approach to art—spanning painting, drawing, and sculpture—Jaclyn’s recent works center is primarily the exploration of her Indigenous and Mexican roots. Bright, bold, and deeply symbolic, her art is inspired by the iconography of Mexican textiles, Meso-American gods, Native American deities, and sacred symbols. For Jaclyn, art is a spiritual journey—a method of self-discovery and a profound way to connect with the rich history of her people, while also honoring her birth mother and the family legacy passed down to her threw her female role models. (Her Nana and Mother)
As a curator, Jaclyn has worked to elevate unrepresented voices in the art world, through curating exhibitions at the Art and Design Gallery at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). Her commitment to diversity and inclusion in the arts extends beyond curation; she has also moderated and spoken at panels, such as those hosted by Snug Harbor Cultural Center and FIT, advocating for marginalized communities and bringing attention to underrepresented narratives in the art community.
Art, for Jaclyn, is not only an outlet for self-expression but also an act of resistance and reclamation. Growing up Jaclyn often felt disconnected from both her Mexican  and Italian identities. Somehow being in a limbo of sorts. Never presenting as “enough” of either culture to feel community, connection or acceptance. However, through her studies at FIT, particularly in art history, Jaclyn connected with her cultural heritage, realizing that her identity could be defined by her own terms. Art became a tool to navigate this complex journey—an ongoing exploration of self, ancestry, and cultural pride.
In her work, Jaclyn gives voice to those who have been historically marginalized, using her own experiences as a bridge for others to explore and honor their unique cultural histories. Her art serves as a celebration of both the beauty and strength of her Indigenous, Mexican, and Italian-American roots.