Born to a Mexican mother and Salvadorian father in Pasadena, Texas, German Javier Amaya embraced Spanish as his first language, navigating the challenges of assimilation into a culture that shaped his identity. In his formative years, Amaya actively participated in sports and music programs during high school. At the age of 18, driven by a desire for a profound change, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, breaking away from the religious upbringing that seemed incongruent with the realities of his evolving journey.
His professional path has been diverse, spanning roles as an aircraft electrician, a contributor to NASA projects, and an educator at the collegiate level. These experiences afforded him unique insights into the American culture, and, more specifically, the Hispanic American experience. It became evident that the community lacked representation, as they straddle the cultural nuances between the countries they represent.
The catalyst for a deeper exploration of his heritage emerged during his college years, particularly through his thesis project. As he delved into the intricacies of honoring Hispanic American heritage, his research unearthed profound topics such as colonization, colorism, and the historical traumas that echo through the culture. The hidden narratives, such as the systematic persecution of indigenous communities, became focal points of his artistic expression.
His artistic journey aims to navigate the often-silenced aspects of the culture, fostering conversations around these challenging subjects. The exhibit, an ever-evolving tapestry, transcends temporal boundaries to address past, present, and future perspectives. Above all, it serves as a testament to the resilience and richness of the Hispanic American culture, providing serious and thought-provoking artistic representation. As he shares his skills acquired through years of education, this endeavor is both a personal and professional commitment to giving back to a community that may not be fully aware of the vast possibilities within the realm of the arts.
1st place, 2023 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, Arts- Fine Arts- Monochromatic Drawing "The AV8B Harrier Jet Aircraft."
1st place, 2023 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, Arts- Fine Arts- Colored Drawing "Keep Tradition Alive."
JuntosPDX 2023 Hispanic Heritage month “Nuestra Arte” featured artist
JuntosPDX 2024 Women's History Month “Nuestra Arte” Art Crawl featured artist
2024 Interpretations of Reality: The evolution of the Hispanic American art exhibit.
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