The most famous and exalted depiction of The Virgin of Guadalupe, came at a time where the Spanish had defeated the Aztecs and were actively converting the population to Christianity. The Virgin reveals herself to Juan Diego on a scared hill formerly known for the Aztec's mother goddess, in the north of Mexico City. The Virgin's miraculous revelation incorporated with mixed imagery reinforced likeness to the indigenous population which was pivotal to successful conversion.  The indigenous people are introduced to iconography that becomes synonymous with The Virgin of Guadalupe.  The Virgin features the full body halo to convey her holiness, paired with downcast eyes, hands clasped in prayer, and ashen skin and dark hair, unlike the European Christian iconography, to relate to the darker skinned population. The Virgin has stars on her blue cloak, and she is standing on a moon supported by an angel. Her dress is white with a floral motif. The most important aspect of the icon of the Virgin of Guadalupe is that the community see themselves represented; which was essential for confirmation. As such, she became popular and emblematic of an idealized figure and symbol of faith. 

Gelatin Silver Print

23 × 21 in.

Edition 1/1

La Virgen is a series by Delilah Montoya which consists of photographs of The Virgin of Guadalupe tattooed on Chicana/Chicano bodies, a modern interpretation and deeper level of devotion to the icon, due to the permanence of tattooing the imagery on the body. The artist depicts the subject with her face covered, choosing anonymity as a commentary on racism and oppression. Much like the Virgin of Guadalupe tattoo on the subjects back, the artist places the subject in an environment surrounded by cactus and other recognizable native plants, as well as a billowing dark cloak, and veil. Using a monochromatic scheme highlights the stark contrast between the cloak, veil, tattoo ink and the subjects skin. Illustrating the modernization of La Virgen is seen through the portrayal of skin, and the subjects head is upright and confident, in a display of strength and resilience, an essential element of the modernization of the icon. The sacred Virgin being implemented to the sacred body of the subject adds a layer of devotion and reverence. As a feminist Chicana artist, Montoya modernizes the reverent depiction of the Virgin by praising the female form, the ultimate symbol of strength and resilience.

Digital Print

Alma Lopez inserts herself directly into the narrative of the Virgin of Guadalupe with her 1999 image, Our Lady, to demonstrate her own personal relationship with the icon. Debuted during Holy Week, this artwork was harshly criticized for being sacrilegious. As a feminist queer Chicana artist, Lopez inserts herself into the narrative to remove the reverence surrounding the Virgin, making the icon human and flawed in order to connect with the image. The Virgin is to remain forever chaste and holy, and this modern depiction of the Virgin played on the dichotomy of the Virgin and the whore. Our Lady's gaze is dominant and direct, hands upon her hips, sheathed in roses, with a bare breasted angel below her feet. Her head is tilted up and upright, a direct opposition to the demure downcast eyes of the Virgin, making her confrontational rather than approachable. This image is a celebration of the female figure and form, capturing the modern Chicana experience.