Paper Artist Ana Serrano’s Vibrant Cardboard Worlds

Ana Serrano, a first-generation Mexican American artist born and rased in Los Angeles, California, has garnered acclaim for her intricate, colorful sculptures crafted primarily from cardboard and paper. Serrano’s work vividly captures the essence of urban life, particularly within Latinx neighborhoods, through detailed, three-dimensional representations of architectural forms and community spaces.

She draws inspiration from the everyday environments of Latinx communities, focusing on how residents personalize their homes and surroundings.

Serrano’s upbringing in Los Angeles, a city rich in cultural diversity and architectural variety, profoundly influences her artistic vision. She draws inspiration from the everyday environments of Latinx communities, focusing on how residents personalize their homes and surroundings. This includes the vibrant colors, eclectic signage, and the integration of plant life into urban settings. Her fascination with these elements stems from a desire to highlight the creativity and resilience inherent in these communities.

Serrano’s choice of materials—primarily cardboard and paper—is both practical and symbolic

Often associated with impermanence and disposability, cardboard becomes a medium through which Serrano constructs enduring tributes to marginalized communities. She employs simple tools such as paper knives, scissors, rulers, and hot glue to meticulously craft her colorful sculptures. The process is entirely hand-executed, emphasizing the artisanal quality of her work. Photography also plays a crucial role in her creative process. Serrano first captures images of urban landscapes and architectural details, which she then references or incorporates into her pieces, adding layers of authenticity and depth.

At the heart of Serrano’s work is a commitment to representing the socio-cultural and architectural elements of Latinx urban life in America

Serrano’s paper sculptures often depict the improvisational nature of unplanned architecture, reflecting the adaptability and ingenuity of communities that build and modify spaces out of necessity and creativity. By doing so, she challenges traditional notions of beauty and value in art and architecture. Her work titled Cartonlandia, exemplifies this approach. The piece is a sprawling, multicolored cardboard sculpture representing a hillside community, inspired by the informal settlements in Tijuana. Through such works, Serrano invites viewers to reconsider the aesthetics of urban environments often overlooked or stigmatized.

Her art not only reflects her personal heritage but also serves as a broader commentary on the intersections of culture, architecture, and identity.

Serrano’s work, which has been exhibited in various esteemed institutions from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art to the National Museum of Mexican Art, showcase her ability to transform spaces into immersive environments that celebrate cultural identity and community. Currently residing in Portland, Oregon, Serrano continues to create and exhibit works that resonate with audiences across the United States and beyond. Her art not only reflects her personal heritage but also serves as a broader commentary on the intersections of culture, architecture, and identity. Below you can enjoy some of Serrano’s work, but make sure to follow her on Instagram for more inspiration.