As a painter, Ylenia Lucero has chosen to explore the emotional journey she underwent during her treatment for endometriosis, highlighting the profound impact of not being taken seriously on her mental health. Reflecting on her experiences as both a service user and a healthcare assistant, Lucero delves into the internal conflicts arising from contrasting perspectives. Through her series, she aims to reconcile these contradictions and examine how her identity merges within a clinical environment, reflecting the type of care she desired to receive.
Drawing inspiration from the visual culture of Black Metal music, a genre she is passionate about, Lucero exploits physical attributes such as face paint and common attire, alongside elements from healthcare marketing and PPE. By juxtaposing these influences, she explores the development of a balanced relationship between the two worlds.
Lucero employs watercolor paint intentionally, leveraging its gentle and aesthetically pleasing appearance to contrast with the harsh realities depicted in her imagery. This deliberate choice emphasizes the confrontational nature of her series and underscores the tension between opposing elements.