Pamilya

By Alyssa Wigant

 

“Growing up biracial, I always felt like I was only half of my culture, never whole. The mural is divided into two halves: the left represents my Filipino heritage and the right is my American heritage rooted in San Jose, with two sides of me in both. However, as I’ve grown up and leaned into this “racial imposter syndrome”, I realize that I am not half of anything–I am fully, 100%, and endlessly biracial. So though this piece has two halves, it tells one cohesive story, filled with intricacies and twists and turns–just like me.  

This piece honors my biracial identity and San Jose’s role in my Filipino heritage. This is dedicated to all the immigrants who found themselves in San Jose, like my lola (grandma), who immigrated here for a nursing job, my nanay (mom) who followed twenty years later, and all the family members whose legacies are carried within me and people like me, in places like San Jose.” — Alyssa Wigant

 
 

About Alyssa Wigant

Born and raised in San Jose, with family who moved here for the tech boom in the 1980s, my creative practice has naturally grown to embrace and incorporate technology. As a hybrid of both studio artist and graphic designer, I combine analog, traditional drawing and lettering processes, with digital design and pixel-precise processes to make what I call "typographic illustrations".

My work aims to actualize introspective thoughts and turn them into explicit reminders for anyone who encounters them. Knowing how long my pieces take to complete, I carefully and intentionally choose the messages to highlight in my work so I can also internalize its message as I spend time creating the piece. My process always begins with reflection, asking questions like “what do I need to remember right now? What do others need to hear?”, in addition to pencil sketches.

I am inspired by vintage typography, whimsical imagery, magic, chaos, and the "Great Beyond". While most of my work involves an explicit typographic message, it is not a requirement. I enjoy working bold and organic shapes, flora, and space themes. In the last two years, I have painted and/or designed six murals/large scale pieces for San Jose businesses (and counting), and look forward to any opportunity to beautify my hometown, work with San Jose businesses, and create something truly special and unique.

See more of Alyssa’s work

See other Sharks x Zoom Suites Murals