Hedy Torres
From portraitures that tell a story to scenes that explore our notions of empathy, Hedy Torres' artworks create an impact by transcending the images themselves.
She challenges our point of view in her scenes. Whatever the viewer takes with them will impact them on a profound level. They invite us to reevaluate and open our minds for discussion. Let's dive in to get a sense of Torres and her process.
When did art first enter into your life?
Art—I believe I was born with it. All of my family is artistic and we expressed our talents in different mediums from music to visual arts.
What themes are you exploring in your work? Why is it important to you and how does this relates to you?
The themes I evoke with my art touch on social issues in a very subtle way. But the main topics are Immigration and Homelessness. Immigration is relevant in my work because I am an immigrant. My family, friends, and most of the people here in America are immigrants, except for the native indigenous. And the homelessness topic is even more relevant because it is a current crisis in California, and Hispanics are the most affected by it.
“The themes I evoke with my art touch on social issues in a very subtle way.”
How do challenge yourself in your practice?
I challenge myself by being consistent and disciplined with my art. I am always trying to improve in every work I produce. And by continuing to do art without knowing where it will take me—I guess that's kind of the fun part of it.
How has this pandemic effective you as a artist? How can GMD support you?
This pandemic helped me to be closer to my art and to be focused on what I want to achieve as an artist. GMD is already supporting me by seeing the potential in me. I really appreciate being included in one of your interviews.
“GMD is already supporting me by seeing the potential in me.”
What is the legacy you would like to leave as an artist?
I want to make my family feel proud of me. I want my parents to know that they successfully raised a great human being. I want the future generations to see what I left for them and know what it was to live in my times.
Written by Diane Lindquist