A Carmen Lomas Garza image that stands out to me is Los Mesquites (page 18, figure 9). After I looked at the image and then read the description, I was surprised to realize that there were actually 11 human figures in total because I initially only saw 2 or 3 figures. I am intrigued by the supernatural, fantastical, and mythological concept of people being intertwined with trees that Garza has depicted. Even the mesquite trees themselves are connected to each other as a female figure from the left tree is embracing a male figure from the right tree. Also, the landscape in the background is very barren so the human figures just have each other to rely on for survival, underscoring how important relationships with others are to life and happiness.
The way she utilizes negative space to create the human figures draws the viewer in as they try to make sense of the image. The image is almost like an optical illusion, so while image includes serious themes like love and melancholy, the image still feels fun in an odd way. I really had to search for all 11 figures, so Garza’s work is not a piece of art that can be “consumed” quickly without missing some important elements. The theme of the image, that love is complicated, is matched by the complexity of the form and composition.
It is significant that Garza uses the mesquite tree for her artwork because the tree itself is a very hardy, resilient plant and I believe this is an intentional choice as it relates to love and the range of emotions within the human condition. It speaks to the resilience of people. Additionally, Garza’s message could be a reminder about how humanity and nature are fundamentally intertwined. Just as the trees are given life from their roots in the earth, humanity must rely on the Earth to support life.
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