Laura Alvarez - DAS

This piece by Laura Alvarez (DAS) immediately reminded me of recurring art work themes from class. DAS wears a crown that seems to omit signals from the top of her head, kind of like the glow that surrounds La Virgen. The bird she appears to be throwing could be another representation of wings/feathers/angels that occur with La Virgen and Coyolxauhqui. All of these works represent strength, femininity, and power.

DAS holds power that cannot be seen. Domestic workers are only paid attention to when given orders, and they are stealth in their presence. Their work is respectable, but society puts them on a class level beneath those we are supposed to look up to in order to preserve power. DAS serves to unmask silent power. Domestic workers play an important role in helping families' lives run more smoothly, and even raising their children. Although the work is heavy and laborious, it is not less important or dignified, because it gives the worker a chance to provide for her family.

Laura Alvarez does an incredible job at changing our perspective about maids/housekeepers/nannies. DAS is confident, intelligent, and fearless. Alvarez's art speaks to Blake's ideas about stereotypical and generally oppressive roles for women. I also see that in regards to gender/sexuality, DAS is portrayed as having a strong, athletic body for the most part. It is the result of physical labor and secret agent duties. I'm not so sure, however, that DAS isn't sexualized in a way that caters to the male gaze. But, I do see how the comic book aspect of DAS would require her portrayal in this way (as the heroine).

It is very possible that a life-long domestic worker will be held back from pursuing her truest wishes in life (as Blake mentions in regards to women serving men, and outdated gender roles). She works in order to survive, but her daughters will have options because of their mother's hard work. These images can even represent the girl that is using her income to pay for college. Those factors hold immense power. This is what I see when I look at her work.