Yolanda Lopez's work by 2020Jiaxin Guo

My favorite works of Yolanda is Potrait of the Artist as the Virgin of Guadalupe. You can tell by the fact that this work is on the cover that it is very popular. I think this is an extension of her color photos. The bright smile and running movement are vivid to show the strength and power of women and shows the great maternal love of women and their independence and strength as women. According to Karen, "Running is physically exhilarating because it produces endorphins that stimulate the brain's pleasure receptors"(89). It is evident that Potrait of the Artist as the Virgin of Guadalupe is her demonstration of Guadalupe's power. From her smile, the movement of running and flame emanating behind her, all shows "the emotional and spiritual joy found in the ability to take charge of one's life"(91).  This work not only implies that women are strong and independent but also breaks the traditional image of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The original Guadalupe's physical body is almost covered by the cape but Madre Mestiza not only shows entire body, but also the strong and supple thighs. This implies that women should not be bound by religion and tradition, and conveys a call for freedom and independence. In my opinion, Yolanda is a Chicana Artist who is very loved Chicana cultural and respect it a lot, she is trying her best to show Chicana's culture power to the world and use art to show women's power.