I really enjoyed Professor Gaspar de Alba's presentation on the CARA exhibition because it introduced me to more Chicana art. The images we were shown and the stories behind them have furthered my interest to engage with the material for this course. One of the most interesting parts of the presentation was that Professor Gaspar de Alba didn't know the CARA exhibition existed but it became a passion for her. This reinforces my continued search for knowledge and awareness. There are so many things I have yet to learn about my culture and it's exciting to think I can go on to find people's work that helps me in my journey to finding myself.
Although I grew up in a Catholic home, going to church and Catechism, I knew who La Virgen was but she wasn't a big icon in our home. My mom immigrated from El Salvador during the 80's and she had a strong Catholic background but I don't ever remember any emphasis on La Virgen. When we needed to pray to someone usually my mom would just mention God or Jesus; we didn't have any specific icons that we're really important to us. I honestly don't know why that is, but most of my family in El Salvador is Catholic and also don't have a strong bond with La Virgen.
For this reason I didn't have any negative reactions to the interpretation of La Virgen or the questioning of the legend. Although I no longer consider myself a Catholic my mom still does; she has seen some of the images of La Virgen that we are focusing on and she also didn't have any negative reactions. I really like the sense of empowerment invoked within these images that portray everyday women I can relate to.
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