Figueroa, Maricarmen

Hello Everyone,

My name is Maricarmen Figueroa, I am currently a fourth-year double majoring in International Development Studies and Chicanx Studies. I am originally from a small town in the Central Valley called Avenal, Ca. Some of my hobbies include playing softball, volleyball, traveling and drawing. One goal that I want to accomplish is to be able to visit every state in Mexico and learn more about my culture, I’ve visited 12 so far. After graduation, I will be moving to the East Coast to begin my Masters in Higher Education at the University of Pennsylvania. My ultimate goal is to work in higher education administration and provide support to students of color.

I decided to take this course because I’ve always been passionate about drawing. Unfortunately, due to class restrictions, I had never been able to take an art course. Now that I am a senior with credits to spare, I have been able to enroll in this course through the Chicanx department and I am truly excited to be able to learn about two topics that amaze me, art & Chicanas. Although I enjoyed all the readings for this week, I loved “Our Lady of Controversy” in that it touched on religion, a topic that Latinx folks are taught to not question. I loved the portrayal of the Virgin as a sign of resistance and the idea that she’s an image with a purpose beyond the church. I have personally deviated myself from the Catholic church after coming to college, yet, I continue to believe in the Virgen de Guadalupe not because of tradition but because she’s a representation of a mujer morena. It was great to see that artist share the same idea when they incorporate this image and that they are brave enough to change it but most importantly, question its purpose.