Elexus Lopez

Elexus@itom-ania.com
Instagram:  @__3lzz I am an Indigenous (Yoeme) Chicana artist born and raised in Phoenix, deeply rooted in exploring identity, cultural preservation, memory, and belonging.. Through photography and film, I aim to create visual poetry that captures the fleeting nature of human existence, contextualizing the Southwest region, particularly the heart of Phoenix and its people. My artistic practice is grounded in a documentarian approach, examining the intersection of past and present and exploring how these layers of existence collide, coexist, and inform our understanding of self and community.


Finding vulnerability through identity is central to my work. Through my creative process, I seek to bridge my Yoeme and Chicana cultures, exploring how these lineages shape my relationship to place, memory, and the land. I draw from these connections to develop decolonial methodologies within my photography and storytelling, creating intentional work that honors lived experience, ancestral knowledge, and the complexities of contemporary life.


Primarily working with black-and-white film, I am drawn to its rawness, emotion, and intimacy. The medium allows me to explore the dialogue between photographer and subject, reimagining the ties that bind us to our histories, surroundings, and one another. Through tonality, shadow, and contrast, I seek to evoke the emotional dimensions of ephemerality while creating space for reflection, connection, and recognition.


The communities of Phoenix and Sonora remain important to my storytelling, offering a reflective lens through which to examine our shared existence. Influenced by BIPOC artists committed to amplifying voices that have historically been overlooked, my work is driven by a dedication to cultural preservation and collective care. Through archival work, I aim to contribute to broader conversations surrounding identity, resilience, memory, and belonging while helping ensure that our languages, ceremonial traditions, and ways of life continue to be carried forward for future generations.