Perspective of Otherness is a body of work by Jalen Colton Sanchez that explores the complex terrain of identity, spirituality, and cultural hybridity through the lens of mestizo (mixed) Hispanic heritage. Rooted in the concept of nepantla, the Nahuatl word for a liminal space of in-betweenness, and in the celebration of marginalized cultures, the work invites viewers to reconsider what has historically been labeled as “other.”

The body of work brings together sculptural and collage-based pieces inspired by Indigenous, African, Mexican folk, ethnographic, and tribal art. Each piece reflects Sanchez’s exploration of heritage and spirituality, serving as both a study of lineage and an offering guided by divine inspiration. The sculptures, with their intricate ornamentation and symmetrical compositions, evoke otherworldly, archaeological-like artifacts. In contrast, the collages embrace intuitive spontaneity, forming layered visual tapestries that mirror the fluid and evolving nature of identity. Together, the works seek to reclaim, recontextualize, and honor heritage and aesthetic traditions that have long existed outside dominant Western art narratives.