Fort Worth-based artist Tatyana Alanis’ latest collaboration is deeply personal.
Alanis, who moved to Texas in 2009, is known for her graphic novel-style artwork. She’s worked on posters with North Texas sports teams the Texas Rangers and Dallas Stars and branding campaigns with French fashion-house Hermès.
But it’s an project with the Galleria Dallas that’s on her mind right now.
Alanis’ artwork will be featured on a commemorative T-shirt honoring Juneteenth, the holiday recognizing when news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached Texas on June 19, 1865.
“Its like a high point for me, like in my career, to where I get to be able to now bring my childhood and my culture into what I do for work.” Alanis said.
Juneteenth’s color palette of red, green, yellow and black fill the design. A lively celebration is illustrated, with the words, “Juneteenth, nobody is free until everyone is free.”
In her early 20s, Alanis moved from a typical 9-to-5 job to pursue an art career. Now, 31, she said she has grown with her art.
“For me, it’s very therapeutic, and I could see my feelings, like emotional maturity, throughout the years as I’ve gotten older.” Alanis said.
With her Galleria Dallas collaboration, Alanis said she wants to view Juneteenth as a joyous celebration – while still ing the history behind the holiday.
Alanis describes Texas’ celebration of Juneteenth as “a big deal.” And throughout her artistic journey, she said the region she now calls home has been ive, allowing her to participate in several events every month.
“I do everything within my own community,” Alanis said. “I think it’s important to kind of show your face within those spaces, too.”
Screen-printed tees with Alanis’ artwork will be available free of charge on June 14 on Level 1 of Galleria Dallas near Sephora. Alanis will distribute the shirts, along with coloring pages of the same artwork. Posters of a collection of Alanis’ artwork will also be displayed within the mall on the “Art Window” near Sephora from June 13 to July 8.