ALMA LOPEZ, OUR LADY, 1999
Alma Lopez, Our Lady, 1999, inkjet print on canvas, image: 17 3⁄8 × 13 7⁄8 in. (44.1 × 35.2 cm) sheet: 22 1⁄4 × 17 3⁄4 in. (56.5 × 45.1 cm)
“Our Lady,” the piece which some members of the Santa Fe Catholic community found offensive, is a digital photograph representing the Virgin of Guadalupe. While familiar Guadalupe imagery is present, the rays of light, the cloak, the roses, the crescent moon, the angel, the virgin herself is represented by a photograph of a friend of the artist, hands on her hips and head raised, her robe open and revealing rose-laden undergarments. The angel below is represented by a topless woman, arms outstretched and butterfly wings extending from her shoulders and breasts. According to the artist, the idea was to portray the virgin as a strong and nurturing woman very much like the women in the community Alma López grew up in. The controversial piece is part of Cyber Arte: Where Tradition Meets Technology (through October 28, 2001), an exhibition featuring computer-inspired work by contemporary Hispana/Chicana/Latina artists, who combine elements traditionally defined as “folk” with current computer technology to create a new aesthetic.
Critics, including Roman Catholic Archbishop Michael Sheehan, have called the piece insulting and sacrilegious and called for its removal from the museum.” - NCAC