Dear Frank, I wish… Love, Gabi 2/2/23
“Don’t ever depend on a man because he can take everything away from you.”
Reflecting on this lesson from my mother, I’ve had to live it firsthand, rebuilding my sense of self after the end of a 12-year relationship. Through my work, I explore self-portraiture with a critical lens, examining the medium’s history of absence and erasure, particularly of women like me. I’m deeply inspired by the Chicana women and ancestors who, bound by societal expectations of submission, were often unable to leave dysfunctional marriages.
Now, as a single woman, I’m navigating the complex aftermath of years spent trying to please others. Life as a couple creates a comfort zone—one that, in hindsight, demanded I set aside parts of myself. When it ended, I wasn’t sure if I was grieving the partner or the comfort that came with that shared life.
As women, we often struggle to find self-worth outside the roles defined by others. My work addresses the need to build ourselves up, trusting that we are worthy on our own terms. In seeking peace, we break the cycle of generational trauma caused by traditional expectations. Soledad (solitude) becomes a source of fulfillment as we reclaim our journey toward self-love and empowerment.

I will not be less of a bitch to make you feel comfortable, Archival Pigment Print, 30”x44”, 2023

I know I’m a strong person, but sometimes I don’t want to be, Archival Pigment Print, 30”x44”, 2023

Mom sometimes doesn’t realize how strong she raised her daughters, Archival Pigment Print, 24”x36”, 2023

I’m no longer scared to be by myself, Archival Pigment Print, 24”x36”, 2023

“How did we get from the trampoline to here? 2/4/23”- Frank, Archival Pigment Print, 30”x44”, 2023

Making peace and saying goodbye to Trampoline land, behind Mom’s house, 8/2/23, Archival Pigment Print, 30”x44”, 2023

We just outgrew each other in so many ways, Archival Pigment Print, 12”x18”, 2023

My Reggie Boy, Archival Pigment Print, 10”x15”, 2023

My cousin Jorge and I in Reynosa, Archival Pigment Print, 2022

My not-so-little brother, Joel, Archival Pigment Print, 30”x44”, 2023

I don’t know why I had to revisit the place where you asked me out in high school. Maybe it would bring me closure but I didn’t get it, Archival Pigment Print, 30”x44”, 2023

Intimacy is something I didn't think I deserved after how you left me, so I sought it out from other people, Archival Pigment Print, 30”x44”, 2023

My Jeep became my home in ways I didn’t think it would, Archival Pigment Print, 30”x44”, 2023

“You’re the closest thing I’ll ever get to a goddess. You’re divine.” -David, Archival Pigment Print, 30”x44”, 2023

It’s rare when there’s moments when I do find peace, Archival Pigment Print, 30”x44”, 2023

My sister Alexis pregnant with my niece, Valentina, Archival Pigment Print, 30”x44”, 2023

Driving was the only time I had privacy and let myself be consumed by feelings I have yet processed, Archival Pigment Print, 22”x30”, 2023

Driving in between cities, 2023

One day I'll ok but honestly, right now I just want to give up, Archival Pigment Print, 2023

Grandma watering her garden, Archival Pigment Print, 2023

Grandma’s House, the ac went out during the Texas summer, Archival Pigment Print, 2023, 5”x7”

Dallas Hotel, waking up feeling a bit at peace, Archival pigment print, 2023, 5"x7"

Eden's House, Archival pigment print, 2023, 5"x7"

House sitting Eric's Apartment, First night I hooked up with someone, Archival pigment print, 2023, 5"x7"

Jessica's Parent's House, Archival pigment print, 2023, 5"x7"

Tia Lorena's House, the first to take me in after the break up, Archival pigment print, 2023, 5"x7"

Crashing on Tori's couch in Houston, Archival pigment print, 2023, 5"x7"

Las Vegas Hotel, went to override memories about you, Archival pigment print, 2023, 5"x7"

A year of being single, in front of my start over home 2/2/24, Archival Pigment Print, 30”x44”, 2024

I'm tired of everything. Emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually tired, Archival Pigment Print, 30”x44”, 2024

1 year No Contact!, Archival Pigment Print, 30”x44”, 2024




































