SaltLampVoid is a collection of multimedia pieces created by Zemariaxi. Ze’s works are meant to highlight their experiences and how they navigate through and cope with their intersectional identities. Ze uses the digital art medium to scrapbook a milestones or stepping stones in their journey.
For their more personal pieces, such as Para Mis Ancestros, Ze uses postcards as their canvas. As an act of resistance against forces that thrive on silence and isolation, mainly Marianismo, Queerphobia, and racial systemic oppression, Ze’s postcard series hopes to be sent from the SaltLampVoid and out into the world, healing them in the process.
Trigger warning: mention of S/A in Para Mis Ancestros.
Please skip to Tiernita if you wish to avoid.
Para Mis Ancestros
November 2023
Markers, Gel pens, Color Pencils, and crayons on Postcard
Dia de Los Muertos is meant to honor your ancestors and celebrate life. However, as a First generation Xicanx, I have little to no connection to my ancestors in Mexico. This has impacted my life and has made me feel disconnected from my family. Furthermore, the sexual abuse and trauma that is often covered up by family members that I was connected to has led to further isolation and severing of familial ties as I struggled to understand the role and purpose of family— as they became the opposite of the sanctuary they were meant to be. A feeling of existentialism leads me to the create of this piece, where I ask,” Who will receive me when I cross over? What will they place on my altar?” The isolation leads me to wonder who will honor me and how? I can only hope to be the family and community to others, that I have needed for myself.
Tiernita
2023 – Digital Sketch Pad
“Aunque tengan espinas y te piquen, busca las tiernitas.”
Look for the tender ones. Growing up going to the Mexican markets with my mom, we’d always pick up nopales for dinner. The contradiction of looking at the tender leaves among their spikes was magical. My mother taught me the great care needed to peel off the spikes, yet she did not teach me to be tender to myself. I look within myself and after much healing, I reclaim my tenderness.
Sin Prisa Pero Sin Pausa
2020 Digital Art
“Don’t Rush but Don’t Pause”
This piece was made to motivate myself as I navigated through post-graduation confusion amplified by the complete derailment of plans as a result of the 2020 quarantine. I reevaluated many aspects of my life and began to pursue joy over anxiety driven milestones. I realized I wanted to do art in any capacity and live my life authentically. This piece encapsulates a pivotal moment in my life.
Feroz
2023
Digital Sketch Pad
Feroz represents the ferocity in which I wish to live my life. This piece represents an amalgamation of my lived experiences and shifting futures. Ultimately, I aim to achieve what I can, yet leave it up to the universe to guide me through existence. This was inspired by the Alebrijes of Mexican Artist Pedro Linares (1906-1992).
Amapolas, Sandias, Nopales, Resistencia
2024 Digital Sketchpad
Day 132: Mexico and Palestine share watermelons, poppies and nopales. The watermelon has become synonymous with the Palestinian Resistance against the genocide of their land and people. Poppies allude to grief of war, remembrance of the martyrs, and consolation from loss. Nopales signify deep connection to the homeland and endurance. Las Sembradoras are donning traditional dance wear; the left femme is wearing a folkloric blouse and beaded skirt from Guanajuato and the right femme is wearing a Palestinian embroidered thobe.
Day 375: My solidarity lies with the Palestinian resistance. I drew this to center myself from the grief, seething rage, and helplessness I’ve felt as a witness of the genocide. Palestine will be free in our lifetime.
Salt Lamp Void
“Arriba las panzas verdes! Arriba SELA! Arriba Palestina! Arriba la Joteriex!¨
Hailing from South East Los Angeles, Ze (SaltLamp Void) has been nurtured, informed and uplifted by her community. Inspired by Gerard Way, Chavela Vargas, Jose Alfredo JImenez, and Diane Gamboa, Ze moonlights as a multimedia artist playing with music and visual arts.
During the day however, Ze puts her UCR degrees to work in educational settings, improving literacy and comprehension in her city. Her ADHD has facilitated the hobbies and skills needed to get to where she is now, as Creative Contributor to Here Nor There. Ze created SaltLampVoid as a realm where she can create devoid of capitalism and oppression.
Listen to Ze’s ghosts here:
Salt Lamp Void