Sophia Gracias: ‘Alfabeto’
Audio description of ‘Alfabeto’ by Sophia Gracias
‘Alfabeto’ by Sophia Gracias
Artist’s statement
This artwork depicts a Spanish Alphabet chart and it's phonetic spelling, it is similar to a poster that you would find in a classroom.
I have always wanted to become fluent in my mother's first language but have felt barriers in every step I've taken towards that. My close family spoke Spanish to me from birth but expected that I would respond in English, they can't really explain why. I spent hours upon hours consciously listening to my Mamá and Abuela converse as a child, I followed Spanish recipes with them too. I watched countless episodes of Sesame Street and other bilingual shows on 'la tele'. We had a videotape of the Barcelona Olympics opening ceremony, played over and over again (Amigos para siempre!) - I just couldn't become the bilingual person of my dreams.
I tried to learn independently, I irregularly attended 'escuela de Español' on Friday nights throughout my youth, I started and stopped a beginners’ class once, filled with Australian soon-to-be tourists who were looking to take an 'exotic vacation'. It just wouldn't stick.
Right now if I hear people speak Spanish I can understand what they are saying and I can reply in English. I can watch a TV show in Spanish, I can sing a few nursery rhymes, I can piece together a few sentences, somehow I can read with very good comprehension. I want to learn more, I'm going to work on it, make a resolution and find a way to truly immerse myself in the language and my heritage (need to book those flights ASAP). I want to be immersed and maybe that will help me understand where my family comes from, that's what this piece is about.
Sophia Gracias is a graphic designer and artist from Melbourne of Spanish, Chilean and Turkish descent. She is a Graphic and Textile Designer by trade and makes art using hand drawing, painting and digital mediums inspired by bold colour and pattern.
Growing up Sophia learned a mixture of Spanish and English with the latter eventually taking precedence out of necessity much to her chagrin.
Instagram: @sophiagracias