Critical Artist Expression - Aliza Nisenbaum

Marlene Cazares
Art & Women - Fall 2017
Critical Art Expression

Aliza Nisenbaum is a 39 year old female artist who grew up in Mexico City. Aliza began painting portraits of undocumented immigrants four years ago. It all began when she volunteered at a community center named 'Immigrant Movement International'' which is located in Queens, New York. She was able to create a bond with the people she taught and noticed how heroic and inspiring their stories were which led to her inspiration.  Aliza is a female artist who I believe portray's the political issues of immigration. The figures in her paintings are individuals who were often hiding, are painted in a bright, colorful setting with a type of kaleidoscope pattern thus giving them a form of visibility. The vibrant colors are able to create a outline making the subject the main focus rather than the bright background. Through Aliza's work you can see the attempt to understand the individual behind the portrait giving them a form of identity not just the name ''immigrant''.