Natalie Godinez discusses gender as a recurring theme in Tanya Aguiñiga’s work, particularly in relation to motherhood and how becoming a mother has influenced her artistic approach. She references Aguiñiga’s use of cochineal, noting that the insects that produce red dye are female, and connects this to broader considerations of femininity and power within patriarchal structures. Godinez also describes Aguiñiga’s use of craft-based materials and techniques, situating them within histories of women’s labor. She further connects these material choices to themes of migration, including Aguiñiga’s experiences growing up at the border, her work with migrant communities, and the movement and histories of materials themselves.