Main image: “Tengo Hambre,” 2025, acrylic paint, cardboard, plaster, clay, plastic wrappings, and
aluminum tape on canvas.
“‘Tengo Hambre’ was inspired on a train ride into the city. I observed a kid selling treats who was looking at them with a visible look of hunger. I wanted to challenge social expectations and give the child the freedom to make their own decisions in a world that often overlooks them.”
“El Patio,” 2025, acrylic paint on canvas.
“In ‘El Patio,’ I wanted to depict a visual representation of the loss of memory. The painting takes place in a backyard that is deeply special to me and was a witness to my childhood. The fading figures and lack of detail represent my struggle to hold onto my memories of the past.”
“Man Made,” 2025, acrylic paint on canvas.
“‘Man Made’ was inspired by the protests happening in Minneapolis. With this Banksy-style painting, I wanted to demonstrate a vulnerable moment between peace and war. By choosing an alien inflatable, I am playing with the viewer’s perspective and tendency to stereotype, as it remains unknown who is behind the suit.”
View artworks by Contreras from the 2025 edition of The Lit. Read an interview with Contreras here.
Fernanda Contreras is a Queens-based artist whose work is deeply influenced by her experiences as a child of immigrants. Through her art, she seeks to evoke a sense of connection, offering viewers a glimpse into the often complex and quiet stories that go unnoticed in daily life. IG: contreras.nyc
