Cover image artwork: Josie Del Castillo, Anxiety doesn’t knock on my door, 2018, Oil on Panel, 46 1⁄2” x 32”
About the Artist
Josie Del Castillo is a Brownsville artist who received her Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, in Edinburg, TX. Del Castillo has exhibited throughout the state of Texas, in cities like Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Dallas, and Lubbock, and most recently Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and New York City. Del Castillo’s work consists of a series of self-portraits as well as portraits of others who she perceives as reflections of herself and a source of human inspiration. Personal and emotional connections are often symbolically made to capture the essence of each of her subjects.
Artist Statement
Self-worth and personal insecurities are common themes for Del Castillo. Much of her work often deals with the subjects of mental health and anxiety, self-esteem, and growing up in the Rio Grande Valley. Trying to understand these issues on a personal level, Del Castillo evolved into a journey of self-acceptance which has become a critical component of her work. Del Castillo, who has struggled with issues of body image and self-esteem, finds that being a portrait artist has given her a greater appreciation of the human form and has helped her gain self-confidence and personal awareness.
Instead of emphasizing the dark connotations of mental health issues, Del Castillo challenges and confronts these themes through a positive outlook by portraying vibrant and colorful depictions of her subjects. Many of these works often include Mexican American cultural iconography and people raised in the Rio Grande Valley.
Changarrito cart February 1- 2 & 8- 9
Artists have the opportunity to sell their art on the Changarrito cart in front of the Museum (or an offsite location, as representative for the Museum during various Austin festivals). Changarreando expands the reach of the artist by presenting their gallery online, while allowing the option to sell merch over Instagram and receive 100% of the sale.
Josie Del Castillo featured her artwork on the Changarrito cart outside the Museum’s entrance on February 1st, 2nd, 8th, and 9th, 2021.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates on original work available for purchase and behind the scenes of the artist’s work, space, and creative process.
Changarrito Instagram Live Interview on Wednesday, February 24th
Mexic-Arte Museum’s Changarrito Instagram Live event with Artist Josie del Castillo took place on Thursday, February 24th from 5:00 pm – 5:45 pm CST. Amber Amezquita, Mexic-Arte Museum’s Registrar Associate, facilitated the virtual event with a series of questions directed at the artist including a Q&A taking place during the last 20 minutes of the event.