‘La Diosa’
Celebration of the Goddess at Avenue 50 Studio
By Patricia Cunliffe 03/16/2006
“La Diosa, Rapture of the Goddess: Earth, Fire, Water, Air” — a group art exhibit at Avenue 50 Studio in Highland Park — is something that “has been brewing in my mind for many years,” says exhibit curator Vibiana Aparicio-Chamberlin. “I believe my own fascination with the Goddess began with my childhood collection of holy cards. My own artwork continually focuses on women — mothers, Guadalupanas, female immigrants, women who suffer from domestic violence ….”
One of her most poignant pieces is a vibrant colored serigraph, “La Chola Blessed Mother — Chola’s Amensen,” depicting the Virgin Mary as a Chola. It is Aparicio-Chamberlin’s prayer and message to young women, urging them to love themselves.
“I know Vibiana’s work, which is very strong on women’s political issues,” says Kathy Gallegos, art director of Avenue 50 Studio. “So when she approached me, I knew that the show would include artists that are sensitive to these issues. As a 501c 3, we are concerned with the educational aspect. I knew that Vibiana’s background in education would not only ensure us that, but that she would be able to pull it all together.”
The Goddess, counterpart to the traditional male deities, will be celebrated in all of her many facets in what promises to be a fun, controversial and informative series of events.
Saturday’s opening reception boasts a “Goddess Blessing” and the Bel Canto song of Hortensia Jauregui Tamayo.
The Goddess Forum on March 30 will explore the multiple faces of “La Diosa, Goddess and Icon.” The panel will include the artists, scholar Teresa Venegas from Loyola Marymount and art historian and former director of the Mexican Cultural Institute Susanna Bautista, who will speak on “The Roots of Our Lady of Guadalupe from Europe to the Goddess Tona.”
Then, on April 8, the Highland Park Art Walk provides a nice backdrop to the Goddess Celebration, which will feature a drum circle, eastern dancing and Goddess teas.
Although her upbringing was that of a traditional Catholic, since a young age Aparicio-Chamberlin questioned the concept of a male creator and was fascinated with images of the Goddesses in some cultures that honored women, from whom, she feels, life is brought forth. “I believe in God and the Goddess. … That makes more sense to me,” she explains.
The show features 12 artists, both male and female, who add perfect dimension to the theme because of their sensibilities and artistic styles. Alexander Suriano’s paintings of indigenous mother earth are reminiscent of the ancients of Mesoamerica or the caves of Altamira. Linda Arreola paints using Mandala-like grids as a foundation for her arresting images. John Miner, an edgy silkscreen artist, is a regular LA Weekly art contributor and master printer for Richard Duardo's Modern Multiples.
Aparicio-Chamberlin, who moved from East LA to Pasadena in the 1970s with her husband, Richard, was a director of Teatro, the street theater movement of that era which addressed political issues and brought about social change. She is a noted altar builder whose installations, like her paintings, embody a commitment to passion and purpose. Aparicio-Chamberlin, who holds two masters degrees and was a special education teacher in East LA, is also producing educational media based on this exhibit.
“I believe there has to be something more, that the world is due some sort of spiritual awakening,” says Aparicio-Chamberlin. “As the producer of the exhibition, I myself am seeking that truth, utilizing my personal dream journals and my Mexican indigenous culture as starting points.”
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