Is life predetermined the moment you are born? Do the stars align for a certain natal fate? Can they detail and map out your internal struggles, strengths, and complexities as human beings as stars are mapped out to form a larger image - a constellation?Over the course of the last few six to seven years, as I combated the loss of both my religious faith and direction in life, I found comfort in the idea that perhaps the stars and planets could be a guide for life - a map of sorts. That perhaps there was a map in the skies that could help me navigate the life that I was so hesitant and afraid to live.In Fate Amongst Stars, I celebrate, mourn, and discuss familial roles and duties, my upbringing, internal struggles with religion, and the manifestation of a future where I feel content and satisfied with the life I wish to live. All through a lens that references stars, constellations, and planets.Whether one’s faith lies in Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, or other religions, the discussion that these works spark are universally understandable. Struggles, family, love, and future goals are part of the human experience that can be burdensome but universally understood.
Cristy Aguilar is a multi disciplinary artist and designer from the Bay Area pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Media Art from San Jose State University.Focusing on UI/UX design, graphic design, and illustration, she works with sofwares such as Figma, Adobe Illustrator, and Blender to create projects ranging from advertisements to websites, as well as 3D models and short animations.As an artist, her work discusses topics ranging from religion, women's rights, human rights, beauty standards, and her personal experiences as a first generation Latina.