Abraham Menor

My name is Abraham Menor and I am a photographer/ artist from East Side San Jose. I run in a bunch of circles and work with a number of community organizations throughout the nation. My mother and father, ancestors, family and friends, and community inspire my commitment to art. I create art and document moments to inspire connection and change.

What does "liberation" mean to you?

Liberation looks like People Power, sounds like Nina, and feels like…

Is your creative practice a practice of liberation?

I create art and do photography to bring light and to provoke emotions and thought to important issues affecting the people. I believe that I can help create dialogue through my creative practice. My hope is that I use my talents and skills to ignite experience when you are in the presence of the work I share. I want to highlight that collaborating with other artist and creatives is a form of liberation. I believe the more that we are able to connect and work with likeminded/hearted folx, is a huge move/ action towards liberation.

How can art be a tool in the revolution?

Art is revolutionary. Art helps us connect with others, learn, teach, understand, gain perspective, reflect, feel, and move during times of challenge and change. Art allows us to speak our truth.

Share a little bit about your creative process!

My creative process can vary. I gain inspiration from conversations and working with others. Community organizing and fighting for change is a huge part of my creative process. I can also be moved after reading a book or watching a movie. Music is huge part of preparation and progress of my creative process. For art, I usually like to take a moment and reflect on what I am feeling, what I need to prep for, and what I need to do to execute. I then just go for it after I put a play list on. As for my photography, I just need to make sure I am in the right mind state and make sure I run through all of my equipment and supplies. Preparing to shoot can be very different depending on what it is I’m shooting. At the end of the day I want to create honest and uplifting work. On a lighter note...partying with my people is my biggest inspiration.

brainsoiled.com/ @keptabsorbed / @doyouknowtheway / @diggingsoundcollect