OV: Exploring Identity and Culture Through Art

The name “OV” symbolizes my journey as a Mexican-Canadian artist, derived from Odette Valero. “Artistic Drive” embodies my belief that life itself is a canvas for expression, shaped by my experiences across Mexico City, Australia, China, France, the UK, and my adoption of Canadian citizenship in 2010.

Trained in International Business, Discourse Analysis, Cross-Cultural Studies, Languages and Global Cultures, I discovered art as a powerful tool for exploring identity, culture, and personal transformation. I found in art a way to celebrate our similarities and differences – cultural encounters between individuals and communities through past, present, and future. My creative vision is inspired by cultural interplay, blending Symbolic and Folk Art styles to imbue layers of metaphorical and cultural meaning, evoking immediate emotional responses.

“Thematically organized, my artwork explores identity, cultural loss, and the resilience of heritage. Through visual discourse, I engage viewers in dialogues on these profound issues, drawing on symbols from my cultural roots, personal experiences, and contemporary life.

Central to my exploration is the concept of “sense of place,” encompassing physical landscapes, mythological origins, and historical narratives. Maps, as complex symbols, define and sometimes distort cultural boundaries and histories. My layered compositions convey a non-linear sense of time, blending past and present experiences, reflecting encounters across ancestral lands, cultural rituals, and daily life.

Embedded within my journey is a deep commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI or EDI). Beyond principles, DEI forms the foundation for a society where each individual’s background and perspective is celebrated. Through my art, I aim to inspire personal growth, transformation, and collective well-being, channeling emotions and awareness into artworks that resonate universally”- OVartisticdrive