Rising Stars: Meet Lando Acosta of Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lando Acosta.

Lando, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey into photography began as a deeply personal endeavor. The untimely passing of my mother when I was young had a profound impact on me, and a single cherished photograph of her became a symbol of remembrance and the beginning of my artistic path. Growing up in Gallup, New Mexico and West Phoenix as a first-generation Chicanx, I often struggled to express my emotions, particularly feelings of sadness, grief, and anger. Photography became a therapeutic outlet, helping me navigate and heal from these emotions.

Drawing inspiration from my Chicano culture and the vibrant landscapes of the Southwest, I seek to encapsulate the boldness and emotion of my surroundings in my work. Over time, my passion for photography and art has become my purpose. One of my proudest moments was selling my first art piece at my first showing. This experience, though challenging, provided confidence in moving forward in my art and business.

Today, I am dedicated to using my art to share my stories and connect people, exploring themes of identity, culture, and environmental issues. My current project, ‘”Eternal Reflections: A Tale of Two Departures” is a poignant photo series that delves into the deeply personal and culturally distinct experiences of death in the United States and Mexico. Through the lens of my camera, I explore the contrasting yet profoundly interconnected stories of my mother’s passing in the United States and my grandfather’s passing in Mexico. This series is an intimate journey through grief, remembrance, and the enduring bonds of family, offering a unique perspective on how different cultures honor and process the end of life.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has certainly not been smooth, but each challenge has been a valuable learning experience. One of the significant hurdles is understanding the business side of art, including printing, framing, pricing, and submitting my work for artist calls. Navigating these aspects was daunting at first, but seeking guidance from other artists and my supportive community helped immensely.

Additionally, confronting old, unhealed versions of myself while implementing new, healthy healing modalities has been a continuous process. Balancing personal growth with professional development can be challenging, but it has also been incredibly rewarding. Personal development is synonymous with professional development. These experiences have taught me resilience and the importance of community and support in overcoming obstacles.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At the heart of my practice lies a commitment to cultural discourse and personal reflection. By sharing my experiences and pushing against limiting beliefs, particularly around masculinity and femininity within male identities, I aim to contribute to the contemporary art scene in a meaningful way. My journey as an artist is deeply intertwined with personal loss and remembrance. As mentioned, the passing of my mother ignited my artistic path and continues to shape my creative expression. In her memory, I carry the artist name Lando Acosta—a tribute that embodies the essence of honoring and preserving heritage through art.

My current project, Eternal Reflections: A Tale of Two Departures, juxtaposes the stark differences and subtle similarities in the rituals, emotions, and communal responses to death in two distinct cultural settings. The United States, with its clinical and often isolated approach to death, contrasts sharply with Mexico’s vibrant, communal, and ritualistic celebrations of life and death. By sharing my personal narratives, I aim to highlight how these cultural frameworks shape our understanding of mortality and the ways we cope with loss.

Through my art, I invite viewers to journey with me to explore the intersections of culture, emotion, and identity, and to find solace and inspiration amidst the landscapes of the human spirit.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Creating art that speaks from my soul and connects with others on a deep level brings me immense happiness. Photography allows me to express emotions and stories that words often cannot capture. It’s fulfilling to see my work resonate with people and provide them with a sense of peace, reflection, and understanding.

Additionally, collaborating with others, particularly in projects that honor and uplift community ways of life and environmental consciousness, brings me joy. Knowing that my work can inspire change and awareness is incredibly rewarding. Lastly, seeing the transformative and healing power of photography in others, especially those from similar backgrounds, reinforces my belief in the importance of my work and makes me profoundly happy.

Contact Info:

• Website: landoacosta.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lando_acosta_/

Image Credits
Models: Ashley Baker Rico Lane Meredith