Karol Perez is a Mexican-American graphic designer and artist based in Eastern North Carolina that works across print production, branding, installation, and exhibition contexts. Their interdisciplinary practice uses design to explore the relationship between culture and identity.

Exhibition Branding Exploring Zapata

an exhibition on selected works showcasing Zapata's image in Mexican culture.

Exploring Zapata is a creative exploration in the form of an exhibition of selected artworks by Mexican and Chicano artists, exploring the dual identity of what it means to be Mexican-American. The selected works of this exhibition are focused around Emiliano Zapata, a significant Mexican revolutionary figure, and how his ideals and image act like a bridge for Chicano culture.
I curated an exhibition about Mexican-American identity that shares a common theme. By researching and analyzing the artwork I am using both my art history knowledge and my experience as a Mexican-American. l also designed the graphics for this conceptual exhibition, aiming to encapsulate the exhibition’s theme while engaging the audience and enhancing the overall experience - preparing me for my future endeavors in the museum world as a graphic designer.

When creating the visual concept for this mock exhibition, I wanted to evoke a sense of mystery, reflecting the exhibition’s goal of exploring Zapata’s image and legacy in Chicano culture.To achieve this, I incorporated Zapata’s silhouette and imagery symbolizing his ideals, along with quotes related to the exhibition’s three themes: revolution, land, and workers. The silhouette is surrounded by a pattern that represents the intersectionality of Zapata’s legacy, highlighting how his influence extends beyond Mexican and Chicano culture. The colors draw inspiration from the Mexican flag, using bold color blocking to make the design stand out among the pattern. The design features contemporary shapes and colors alongside with selected artworks, aligning with the exhibition’s themes and discussions