I explored her website and found pieces that I expected. By that, I mean I was not shocked by anything. Once I looked into her first photograph listed, I was shocked. Her first piece, "Free To Those Who Deserve It," was an interesting title, so I visited the page. A series of images depicting multiple penises with piercings jabbing at them is the photographs she created. I was so confused I had to make sure I was on the right website. I spent five minutes trying to make sure I spelled Xandra Ibarra correctly because I could not believe the difference between her creative ideas. I went from looking at a picture of a fireplace to feeling second-hand pain. There is nothing wrong with the art Xandra created and photographed; they are clear and add dimension to her work. Yet, I do not understand the significance or means for this piece even after reading the description. She spoke with confidence, "Human Flesh is tough as nails," yet does not describe the actual reason she chooses to destroy it. I expected a feminist piece yet did not find a connection besides hurting the male species. I keep looking through her website for an explanation but can not find a single word on it. Why did you choose to create this piece, and how does it bear significance in 2020? Besides the unexpected use of penises, I found her art to be representative of Chicana feminists going through quarantine. Simple piece including "Views and Cast of/from My Mail Slot on the 30th day of Quarantine," reminds me of the days I felt neverending in 2020. The light and darkness fill me with sadness, but beyond that, I feel scared, scared of the life I lived alone and the ones many others had. Both this feeling of fear and confusion reflects the power behind Xandra, a great artist.
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