My project addresses the normalization of child domestic labor in Paraguay, specifically the cultural practice known as criadazgo. I am exploring how this tradition often masks child abuse and domestic servitude, keeping it invisible to society. Through my work, I seek to challenge this cultural acceptance and highlight the urgent need for visibility and protection of children's rights.
This project was inspired by a history class I took last year, which exposed me to the harsh realities many children face in Paraguay. As a young person, I was deeply moved by how invisible this issue remains among my generation, where it should be openly discussed to raise awareness. I want to showcase these national realities through my work to challenge cultural normalization and become part of a movement toward real visibility and solutions.
This project was inspired by a history class I took last year, which exposed me to the harsh realities many children face in Paraguay. As a young person, I was deeply moved by how invisible this issue remains among my generation, where it should be openly discussed to raise awareness. I want to showcase these national realities through my work to challenge cultural normalization and become part of a movement toward real visibility and solutions. For this I used procreate app as a tool to create my ilustrations.
I based my project on a powerful true story that illustrates the reality of criadazgo in Paraguay. First, I carefully studied this testimony to translate the child's experiences into symbolic visual elements. I then developed an artistic series that captures these moments, aiming to transform a single personal history into a universal call for awareness.
Through my initial illustrations, I discovered that a warm color palette effectively captures both the intense Paraguayan heat and the physical burden of the protagonist's labor. Testing these visual concepts helped me establish a strong brand and personality for the project, which will eventually transition into a short film. I found out that these specific artistic choices are essential to convey the essence of the story and make the issue of criadazgo visible.
My results offer a representation of Paraguayan culture alongside a harsh national reality, capturing an authentic essence through a specific visual identity. From this process, I learned how to build a stronger narrative within my illustrations to make the message more evident to the viewer. This project serves as a step forward in showcasing Paraguayan art while bringing much-needed visibility to a hidden social truth.
In the future, I plan to expand this project beyond illustrations by producing a short film based on the true story of someone close to me. This work does not end here; my goal is for it to become a significant contribution to social awareness in my country. By transitioning to film, I hope to create a more immersive experience that truly honors the testimony and advocates for change.
My primary source was a real-life testimony from someone very close to me whom I miss dearly; this personal connection allowed me to better visualize the reality of criadazgo. I would like to thank Professor RPV for introducing me to this topic in her history class and constantly teaching us about Paraguayan realities. I am also grateful to Professor CG, who always supports my vision and my desire to turn my projects into a reality for the world to see.
