Nicholas Vargas, Mother's eyes. Digital drawing. 18 x 24 inches. Florida International University, Miami, USA, 2026
Project Statement
The theme of this project is Ritual, Texture, and Memory, and I chose to explore the idea of motherhood through perspective and memory. Rather than placing the mother at the center as an object to be viewed, I shifted the focus to her point of view. This allows the viewer to experience the scene through her perspective instead of simply observing her from the outside.
This idea is personal to me because I was raised by a single mother who cared for both my sister and me. At the same time, the theme can connect with people across different countries and cultures, since a mother’s love is widely understood and deeply felt. By centering the mother’s perspective, the poster reflects the emotional weight, responsibility, and quiet strength that often go unseen.
Self-Reflection
While creating this poster, I reflected on how meaningful my childhood was because of my mother and the way she raised me on her own. The project allowed me to see through her eyes, consider how she may have felt, and appreciate the everyday moments and sacrifices that I may not have fully recognized before.
This process helped me understand how memory shapes the way we see the people who care for us. It also gave me a deeper appreciation for my mother’s strength, resilience, and unconditional love.