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Jana Cantua
Jana Cantua is a photographer living in San Antonio, Texas. She was raised in the Rio Grande Valley, and her experiences there inspired her own artistic style and voice. Jana uses an optimistic color palette in her photographs as a way to transmit emotion. Her diverse work explores themes of culture, joy and belonging.
Resume (PDF)
MORE ABOUT THIS ARTIST
Artist Medium: Photography
Artist Statement of Work
Tell us about your work (style, approach, philosophy, subject and/or theme):
My work explores themes of belonging, and the balance between strength, vulnerability and joy. Through the use of vibrant colors, wardrobe and body movements, I create scenes that reflect the complexity of navigating yourself and the world around you.
I draw inspiration from nature, fashion and my culture for the content of my photographs. The subjects of my photographs (often people) also inspire my work. Moments like visits to the beach, festive performances during Charro Days, and walks through markets in Mexico are references I come back to again and again.
My work is constructed in layers: it starts with deciding what feeling or emotion will be transmitted, then building on finding the wardrobe and the environment that will seamlessly fit into our story. The color story is also important and I build upon this from memory of the colors of the buildings, the foods and the textiles in my hometown. My imagery can take you to a world that is brand new or familiar. Either way, my wish is that my photographs make you feel at home.
Culturally Specific Art Category
Select Culturally Specific Art Category:: Hispanic or Latino/a/x
