IN REFERENCE TO is a photographic project that explores themes of cultural identity, femininity, and personal connection through the experiences of Mexican female immigrants across the United States. Through a series of 1,000 images—500 portraits of women alongside photographs of meaningful objects—this work highlights the intimate relationship between identity and memory. Each object serves as a tangible link to Mexico, reflecting the ways in which personal belongings carry history, nostalgia, and a sense of home.
A binational project, IN REFERENCE TO features participants from diverse backgrounds and professions, photographed in California, Idaho, Oregon, Illinois, New York, and Texas. The women, who hail from all 32 states of Mexico, represent a broad spectrum of experiences, from business executives and artists to housekeepers, teachers, and students. Together, their stories weave a nuanced narrative of migration, resilience, and belonging.
IN REFERENCE TO presents its subjects in a square format against a white background, evoking the aesthetic of ID photographs—a symbolic nod to documentation and identity. The accompanying objects are similarly isolated against a white background, referencing the way pre-Columbian archaeological artifacts are cataloged and honored throughout Mexico. Together, these elements highlight the significance of personal belongings in shaping cultural memory and identity. This project serves as both a reflection of and a tribute to the hundreds of thousands of Mexican female immigrants in the United States, capturing their stories through portraiture and personal objects.
