Hedy Torres
SHEDDING
LIGHT
ON
IMMIGRANT
EXPERIENCES
AND
STREET
VENDORS
IN
THE
U.S.
I am Hedy Torres, a Mexican-born artist based in Los Angeles, dedicated to amplifying the stories of immigrants and their labor. My work challenges stereotypes that have historically marginalized my community, while celebrating the resilience, dignity, and cultural contributions of immigrants to the United States.
Drawing from my own experience as a street vendor after immigrating in 2006, I creat paintings, performances, and public works that spotlight the unseen labor sustaining our cities. My portraits, depictions of hands at work, and objects of labor—such as tortilla makers and steel trays—transform everyday acts of survival into powerful symbols of strength and beauty. Layered with stencils, signage, and personal memories, each piece serves as both tribute and journal, weaving immigrant histories into visual narratives.
I am Hedy Torres, a Mexican-born artist based in Los Angeles, dedicated to amplifying the stories of immigrants and their labor. My work challenges stereotypes that have historically marginalized my community, while celebrating the resilience, dignity, and cultural contributions of immigrants to the United States.
Drawing from my own experience as a street vendor after immigrating in 2006, I create paintings, performances, and public works that spotlight the unseen labor sustaining our cities. My portraits, depictions of hands at work, and objects of labor—such as tortilla makers and steel trays—transform everyday acts of survival into powerful symbols of strength and beauty. Layered with stencils, signage, and personal memories, each piece serves as both tribute and journal, weaving immigrant histories into visual narratives.
My practice extends into performance and public art. In a recent project funded by the Eastside Arts Initiative, I performed as a street vendor while platforming Marlene Benitez’s immigrant story of resilience. I was also commissioned by Brilliant Corners to create *New Beginnings*, a mural that fostered empathy and dialogue around affordable housing.
Through my art, I invite audiences to reflect on the overlooked lives and contributions of immigrants, encouraging empathy, connection, and recognition of the diverse human stories that shape our shared culture.
My practice extends into performance and public art. In a recent project funded by the Eastside Arts Initiative, I performed as a street vendor while platforming Marlene Benitez’s immigrant story of resilience. I was also commissioned by Brilliant Corners to create *New Beginnings*, a mural that fostered empathy and dialogue around affordable housing.
Through my art, I invite audiences to reflect on the overlooked lives and contributions of immigrants, encouraging empathy, connection, and recognition of the diverse human stories that shape our shared culture.
Bio
Bio
I am Hedy Torres, a Mexican-born artist based in Los Angeles, dedicated to amplifying the stories of immigrants and their labor. My work challenges stereotypes that have historically marginalized my community, while celebrating the resilience, dignity, and cultural contributions of immigrants to the United States.
Drawing from my own experience as a street vendor after immigrating in 2006, I creat paintings, performances, and public works that spotlight the unseen labor sustaining our cities. My portraits, depictions of hands at work, and objects of labor—such as tortilla makers and steel trays—transform everyday acts of survival into powerful symbols of strength and beauty. Layered with stencils, signage, and personal memories, each piece serves as
I am Hedy Torres, a Mexican-born artist based in Los Angeles, dedicated to amplifying the stories of immigrants and their labor. My work challenges stereotypes that have historically marginalized my community, while celebrating the resilience, dignity, and cultural contributions of immigrants to the United States.
Drawing from my own experience as a street vendor after immigrating in 2006, I create paintings, performances, and public works that spotlight the unseen labor sustaining our cities. My portraits, depictions of hands at work, and objects of labor—such as tortilla makers and steel trays—transform everyday acts of survival into powerful symbols of strength and beauty. Layered with stencils, signage, and personal memories, each piece serves as both tribute and journal, weaving immigrant histories into visual narratives.
My practice extends into performance and public art. In a recent project funded by the Eastside Arts Initiative, I performed as a street vendor while platforming Marlene Benitez’s immigrant story of resilience. I was also commissioned by Brilliant Corners to create *New Beginnings*, a mural that fostered empathy and dialogue around affordable housing.
Through my art, I invite audiences to reflect on the overlooked lives and contributions of immigrants, encouraging empathy, connection, and recognition of the diverse human stories that shape our shared culture.
both tribute and journal, weaving immigrant histories into visual narratives.
My practice extends into performance and public art. In a recent project funded by the Eastside Arts Initiative, I performed as a street vendor while platforming Marlene Benitez’s immigrant story of resilience. I was also commissioned by Brilliant Corners to create *New Beginnings*, a mural that fostered empathy and dialogue around affordable housing.
Through my art, I invite audiences to reflect on the overlooked lives and contributions of immigrants, encouraging empathy, connection, and recognition of the diverse human stories that shape our shared culture.