Background
Where was Aliza Nisenbaum born?
Mexico City, Mexico.
What is one word you would use to describe the feeling of community?
How does Nisenbaum get to know her subjects before painting them?
By talking to them, engaging in conversation, and sometimes participating in community activities.
How do you think Aliza Nisenbaum’s subjects feel when they see their portraits?
Answers may vary (e.g., proud, respected, seen, valued).
What are two words you would use to describe the colors in Nisenbaum’s paintings?
Answers will vary (e.g., vibrant, bold, harmonious).
What are some of the themes or groups of people Nisenbaum focuses on in her artwork?
Immigrants, laborers, underrepresented communities, everyday people.
Why does Aliza Nisenbaum include patterns and symbols in her portraits?
To tell stories about her subjects and to reflect their cultural backgrounds and personal identities.
Why does Aliza Nisenbaum spend so much time talking to her subjects?
To build trust and understand their personal stories, which adds depth and authenticity to her portraits.
Why is it important for artists to represent underrepresented communities?
To give visibility, challenge stereotypes, and create empathy and understanding in society.
Why does Nisenbaum use bright colors in her portraits?
To convey energy and vitality, and to reflect the cultural backgrounds and identities of her subjects.
How has Aliza’s experience as an immigrant influenced her art?
Her art reflects themes of identity, belonging, and representation of marginalized communities.
What are 3 representational/symbolic objects in the painting with Veronica and her daughter in their one-bedroom apartment?
Sheet music on a stand
speaker
bike
What inspired her still life paintings
Mexico street vendors
What role does art play in social justice, according to Aliza Nisenbaum’s work?
Art can raise awareness, document personal narratives, and advocate for social change by highlighting the lives and struggles of marginalized communities.
What is one way Nisenbaum uses patterns in her paintings?
She uses patterns to highlight cultural heritage, personal stories, or as a design element to create depth and complexity.
What did she describe as one of her earliest memories?
Drawing dancers with her mom
What types of symbols does Nisenbaum typically include in her paintings?
Personal objects, textiles, and patterns that relate to the subject’s heritage, profession, or identity.
What are some ways Nisenbaum’s relationships with her subjects impact her paintings?
The personal connections are reflected in the intimate and authentic portrayal of her subjects, making her paintings more expressive and meaningful.
What impact did Nisenbaum’s series of pandemic portraits have on how society views frontline workers?
It honored their dedication and sacrifices, bringing visibility and appreciation to their roles during a difficult time.
How does Nisenbaum’s use of color and pattern influence the mood of her paintings?
The use of color and pattern creates a sense of warmth, harmony, and connection, making her portraits feel lively and inviting.
How did Nisenbaum’s involvement in the Immigrant Movement International shape her artistic practice?
She taught English classes to immigrants, which evolved into a collaborative art project where she painted the participants’ portraits, deepening her focus on community and social engagement.
How is Aliza relevant to our "In my room" assignment?
She uses acrylic paint. She paints people in their environments. She includes objects in the spaces that are symbolic/representational of the person shes painted.
How did Immanuel Levinas—the philosopher who said all ethics come from the face-to-face relationship— influence Aliza?
It inspired her to sit with people face to face and paint them from life
How do Nisenbaum’s portraits challenge conventional portrayals of immigrants and laborers in mainstream media?
By portraying them with dignity, color, and personal narratives, she humanizes and empowers her subjects, showing them as individuals with complex lives rather than as stereotypes or statistics.
Compare Nisenbaum’s use of pattern to Jennifer Packer. How are their styles similar or different?
Both artists use pattern as a way to engage with their subjects’ identities and to provide context within their compositions.
Nisenbaum’s patterns are typically decorative, cultural, and clearly defined, making them prominent features of her compositions.