gallery c: september 15 to october 4
reception and gallery talk: mon september 15, noon

Artists: Linda Ayala, Kivin Bauzo, Hector Castellanos Lara.

Curated by Deanne Conley.

Reception and Gallery Talk: Monday, September 15 at noon
sponsored by ODAMA (Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs)

Linda Ayala
Artist's statement
— Milagro: Heart (Factory I)

Artist's statement

Milagro: Miracle

Milagros are traditionally religious folk charms made of gold, silver, tin, lead, wood, bone, or wax,  used for healing purposes and as offerings in Mexico, the southern United States, and other areas of Latin America. They are attached to altars, shrines, and sacred objects for a petitioner’s particular need, or in thanks for a prayer answered. They assist in focusing attention towards a specific ailment. While the practice is not so common today as it was long ago, milagros are now often used in art and jewelry.

One meaning is not resigned to a particular symbol. A milagro can represent the obvious or a concept. A heart can symbolize a heart condition or love. Testicles can represent fertility, impotence, testicular cancer, or for someone who needs to be a bit braver. A foot for a broken foot or for travel. A milagro is open to interpretation.

The concept of a milagro as a visual way of prayer is so simple. One simple object could speak an entire prayer. One simple object could have many different meanings. I became drawn to milagros a little over a year ago when I developed asthma. My first piece was MILAGRO:LUNGS. The lungs fly freely in the sky over an open field. Fresh air. I wanted that feeling. Other organs and body parts soon followed: the brain for brain cancer, mental clarity, or knowledge; the heart for a heart attack or compassion; the eye for glaucoma, dreams, or revelation.

I love when things are open to interpretation. There is no final word.

Linda Ayala

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