WEEK 10

 One concept that I learned in this course that I am most thankful for was learning about the power of images and symbols. However, the image of the Virgin Mary was the one that stood out to me the most. Growing up Christian, I was never used to seeing images of her unless it was through my Catholic friends, and even then at church we were taught the image was of the devil. I understand now that when churches consider anything “of the devil,” it is simply because it does not fit their narrative or must be an uncomfortable truth. Nevertheless, I have always had a profound respect for the image and the person Mary was. Her story and legacy of holiness are exemplary to the devout adherent of any faith, but her image may also be used to subjugate women as well. The concept of how religion can be used to control people and oppress any “othered” group came through my understanding of European colonization (and its’ afterlives) and Islam. In my honest opinion, Islam is more of an accepting and revolutionary instituion/faith than their Christian counterparts considering the Quran devotes a whole chapter to the mother of Jesus (Isa) and the religion is largely open to interpretation, hence ultra-conservative and even liberal factions of the religion spread across the world. 

I fell in love with the Virgin Mary after reading about how Our Lady by Professor Alma Lopez was created and why. The image, even before I read about its complexity, brought a smile to my face considering it obviously angered conservative Catholics who didn’t even take time to understand the importance of the work, and quite possibly never will. I admire Professor Lopez for having the guts to create such a piece. I also think it is important to note that art isn’t something one wakes up one morning and decide to do. I have learned that an artist needs to have both an intellectual and (almost) spiritual connection to their work in order for it to be beautiful art.