Alma Manso, Inherited Patterns. Mixed media. 18 x 24 inches. Florida International University,
USA, 2026
USA, 2026
Project Statement
This digital collage explores patterns as a visual language shared across cultures and how women are carriers of tradition and memory. It draws inspiration from tile patterns found in domestic spaces, textile and decorative traditions in India, South Africa, and Cuba. Said patterns are often created and passed down through women’s labor that lasts across generations. This project takes into account the performative and ritualistic nature of culture. I incorporate references to dance and performance, such as the Indian mudras and the shoes associated with the Cuban Tropicana performers. I wanted to showcase how tradition also exists in the body through movement and performance, where the ritual becomes embodied. Lastly, the piece includes textile references tied to women’s identity and expression, including fabrics like Shweshwe, traditionally worn by newly married Xhosa and Sotho women.
This digital collage explores patterns as a visual language shared across cultures and how women are carriers of tradition and memory. It draws inspiration from tile patterns found in domestic spaces, textile and decorative traditions in India, South Africa, and Cuba. Said patterns are often created and passed down through women’s labor that lasts across generations. This project takes into account the performative and ritualistic nature of culture. I incorporate references to dance and performance, such as the Indian mudras and the shoes associated with the Cuban Tropicana performers. I wanted to showcase how tradition also exists in the body through movement and performance, where the ritual becomes embodied. Lastly, the piece includes textile references tied to women’s identity and expression, including fabrics like Shweshwe, traditionally worn by newly married Xhosa and Sotho women.
All of these materials reinforce the relationship between culture and gender. Formally, this digital collage works as a celebration of women, the role they have in tradition, and who we are within our inherited culture and memory.
Self Reflection
This experience was quite interesting because it opened my eyes to other cultures and new perspectives. Working with other designers around the world was very enriching, and I hope to do it again. This collaborative project reminded me that as graphic designers and artists, we should always be open to the world around us so we can design accordingly.
This experience was quite interesting because it opened my eyes to other cultures and new perspectives. Working with other designers around the world was very enriching, and I hope to do it again. This collaborative project reminded me that as graphic designers and artists, we should always be open to the world around us so we can design accordingly.
Video of the process. Courtesy of the designer Alma Manso. Florida International University, USA, 2026