I keep braiding and pushing forward the many generations of mothers who lived before me so that I could be here. 

    In Mexican culture, braiding transcends generations, embodying self-expression, tradition, and a nurturing practice that fosters interpersonal connections. In an attempt to give materiality to language, La Trenza (The Braid) emerged as a response to the Mexican expression “echar raíces,” which can be understood as the act of building stability and grounding in a new environment. By weaving these elements together, a contemplation of identity flourishes, striving to cultivate a sense of belonging. I aim to employ an unhomely and nostalgic feeling that expresses the socio-political implications of ‘strangeness’ and displacement; walking and braiding then, become an act of presence and resilience. My exploration thus focuses on the sentiments of migration, change, and growth within a contemporary and international context; the use of the body, the shared female tradition, and the ever-present essence and energy from various generations act as a celebration of identity and culture that extols a tradition that is often overlooked.