Yolanda López, Runner: On My Own! from the series ¿A Dónde Vas, Chicana? Getting through College (1977), oil and acrylic on paper, 60 x 106 inches.

Years after her death, Yolanda López continues to be a transformative figure in Chicana art history. Her groundbreaking contributions to Chicana art and activism remain a major source of influence for young artists. 

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

Four years after her death, Yolanda López continues to be an important figure in Chicana art. Her transformative contributions continue to reshape both the artistic landscape and cultural narratives within Chicano/a/x society. With a career spanning over five decades in California, López skillfully blended art and activism, profoundly influencing feminist thought and the quest for social justice.

In celebration of her contribution, the Riverside Art Museum is showcasing her works in Yolanda López: Portrait of the Artist, the first solo museum presentation of the artist’s groundbreaking work. The art exhibition features a compelling collection of the artist’s most influential paintings, drawings, and collages from the 1970s and 1980s.

One of the iconic pieces in the exhibition is Portrait of the Artist as the Virgin of Guadalupe (1978). In this daring work, the artist confronts an important religious iconography: the Virgin of Guadalupe. This canonical image, originating from the 16th century, is believed to have miraculously appeared on an Indigenous man’s cloak after a vision on the Hill of Tepeyac, a site previously sacred to the Aztec goddess Coatlicue. While Guadalupe is an emblem of virginal maternal femininity, she also represents Spanish colonialism and Mexican independence.

In Portrait of the Artist as the Virgin of Guadalupe, López forcefully inserts herself into the religious icon, adopting the traditional mantle of the Virgin but with a contemporary twist. She depicts herself sprinting energetically out of the painting, wearing running shoes, and donning the Virgin’s mantle as if it were a cape. The original image’s Mandorla Halo frames her. But instead of the serene and passive pose typically
associated with the Virgin, López’s portrayal is dynamic and defiant.

Revolutionizing Iconography: The Power of López’s Art

Yolanda López: Challenging Patriarchal Symbols

A notable feature of the painting is López’s interaction with a cherub sporting red, white, and blue wings. This cherub, which she later identified as a symbol of the patriarchy, is being crushed underfoot. This act of defiance underscores her critique of patriarchal structures and her rebellion against traditional gender roles.

Portrait of the Artist as the Virgin of Guadalupe exemplifies López’s revolutionary approach to art. By reinterpreting a deeply ingrained symbol of colonial and patriarchal power, she challenges historical and cultural narratives. This artwork is not merely a reinterpretation but a radical statement. It redefines the Virgin of Guadalupe’s significance in the context of feminist and antipatriarchal discourse.

A Bold Artistic Vision

Through this painting, López creates a powerful dialogue between historical icon and contemporary issues. Her portrayal of the Virgin of Guadalupe as an active modern figure departs from traditional depictions and infuses the image with new meaning. By merging elements of athleticism with religious symbolism, López crafts a commentary on freedom, empowerment, and resistance against oppressive structures.

Portrait of the Artist as the Virgin of Guadalupe stands as a testament to Yolanda López’s innovative approach to art. It challenges conventional symbols and offers a fresh perspective on a revered religious icon. Additionally, it makes a bold statement about gender, power, and artistic expression. By depicting herself in running shoes and the Virgin’s star-patterned mantle, López transforms the icon into a figure of defiant joy and radical feminist optimism. She challenges conventional narratives surrounding Guadalupe iconography, reclaiming it as a symbol of empowerment rather than subjugation.

Runner: On My Own is another important painting in this exhibition, as it touches on a pertinent period in the artist’s life. It features a sprawling landscape with grand buildings, including the University of California, San Diego, where she studied. Beyond the landscape is a vibrant blue water. Superimposed on this serene backdrop is the artist, clad in running gear, sprinting away. Her powerful stride embodies a message of liberation and self-expression, suggesting she has broken free from societal constraints.

Symbolism in Motion

Runner: On My Own is the final work in a series of six paintings and two studies. These artworks capture the artist’s personal journey, portraying herself running past UCSD buildings without any hindrance by traffic or public transit. This portrayal is a tribute to the newfound freedom and autonomy she experienced after joining a running class at UCSD, a significant event following the 1972 Title IX gender equity law.

In Runner: On My Own, the artist dramatically distances herself from the constraints imposed by societal expectations. The painting is a powerful expression of artistic freedom, breaking away from traditional feminine roles. The artist’s head, hand, and foot extend beyond the frame, symbolizing her escape from the limitations of conventional norms and her determination to forge a path defined by her own choices.

This artwork is not just a depiction of physical movement; it represents a deeper sense of personal emancipation. By presenting herself as breaking free from the rectangular confines of the paper, the artist signifies her rejection of imposed limits. Her dynamic pose and vibrant depiction convey a profound message about overcoming barriers and embracing one’s true potential.

A Journey of Self-Determination

Runner: On My Own is also a celebration of the artist’s personal and artistic growth. It illustrates her
journey toward self-determination and independence. Additionally, it highlights the impact of joining a running class on her life and work. The painting stands as a testament to her resilience and her ability to transcend societal expectations. It embodies the spirit of freedom and self-expression. More importantly, it showcases the artist’s triumph over

Beyond exploring her image to make poignant statements, Yolanda López also often centers her art on portraying women as strong, heroic figures who defy traditional societal roles. Several of her works depict her mother and grandmother as signifiers of powerful women, who are hardworking and enduring . Her conceptual drawings bring visibility to women at various life stages, capturing their resilience and strength in larger-than-life portraits. Her work demonstrates the power of representation, showing how art can challenge societal norms and elevate marginalized voices.

Pioneering the Chicano Movement

Born in San Diego in 1942, Yolanda Lopez passed away on September 3, 2021, after a prolonged battle with liver cancer.  Her death came at an important point in her life and career. It was a few months before her first-ever solo exhibition opened at the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego. But even in death, López’s influence continues to loom larger, shaping the discourse and inspiring new generations. Although she excelled as an artist, her influence extends beyond her art; she was a key figure in the Chicano civil rights movement.

López’s activism began during her student years at San Francisco State University in the 1960s. There, she was actively involved in protests and movements challenging racial and gender inequalities. As a founding member of Los Siete de la Raza, supported by the Black Panthers, Yolanda López played a crucial role in mobilizing the Latino/a/x community in San Francisco. Her protest art from this period underscores her commitment to social justice and her belief in art as a catalyst for change.

Throughout her career, Yolanda López remained dedicated to her role as a cultural worker. She served as the educational director for the Mission District Cultural Center and taught at prominent institutions. They include the University of California, Berkeley, and Mills College. Her influence on the next generation of artists and activists is profound. In addition to her advocacy for the representation of Chicana voices in the arts, she was also a supporter of social justice.

Feminist Art Coalition: Elevating Cultural Awareness

The Yolanda López: Portrait of the Artist exhibition is part of the Feminist Art Coalition. This is a national initiative aimed at increasing cultural awareness of feminist thought, experience, and action. This collaborative effort involves art museums and nonprofit institutions across the United States. The objective is to present concurrent events that highlight the contributions of feminist artists.

Yolanda López: Portrait of the Artist emphasizes López’s significance within this broader context, celebrating her legacy as a pioneer of feminist art. MCASD Senior Curator Jill Dawsey, PhD, organized the exhibition to showcase the depth and breadth of López’s artistic practice. It presents her work as a reflection of her personal experiences and a powerful commentary on social and political issues of her time. Through her art, López encourages viewers to reconsider the portrayal of women within Chicano/a/x culture and beyond.

López’s Lasting Legacy on Chicana Feminist Art

Yolanda López’s impact on Chicana art history and activism is immense. She received numerous accolades, including the National Women’s Caucus for Art Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008. She also received the Latinx Artist Fellowship from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation in 2021. López’s legacy continues to inspire artists and activists, highlighting the transformative power of art in challenging oppressive systems.

López’s work remains central to discussions on feminism, representation, and cultural identity. Her fearless approach uses her own image and those of the women in her family as symbols of
resistance. This resonates with contemporary audiences. Reflecting on her contributions reminds us of the importance of visibility, representation, and the ongoing fight for equality within the arts.

Yolanda López: Portrait of the Artist and Activist

The exhibition Portrait of the Artist poignantly underscores Yolanda López’s unparalleled contributions to Chicana art and activism. Her groundbreaking works challenged traditional depictions of women within Chicano/a/x culture. They also redefined art as a medium for social change. López’s legacy as a pioneering artist and activist continues to inspire. It demonstrates the enduring power of art to reshape and redefine cultural narratives.