Latina art show focuses on love, pain and representation

(WXIN/WTTV) — Mary Mindiola wants to end her season of art shows with a “bang.”

She’s doing that, through her organization “Indy Latina Artists,” by hosting a “juried” art show on the first weekend of October. That’s right in the middle of Hispanic Heritage Month.

“Amor y Dolor: Stoicism, Passion, and Revolution” features art from Indianapolis-based Latina artists. They started with the theme of “love and pain,” inspired by the romantic relationship between famed Hispanic artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.

“They had a tumultuous relationship, as you know,” Mary says. “But then [the show] evolved into something bigger than that.”

Many of the pieces you’ll see at the Lost Dog Gallery feature Frida’s famous face in mediums from mosaics to popsicles. Others feature abstract representations of love and pain, some feature Biblical imagery and one references the Nickelodeon TV show “Doug.”

“I hope that people like my art, and love what they see in my paintings,” says Mayra Espino, an artist with three pieces featured in the show, including the “Frida-pop.” “It could be an inspiration to others.”

Longtime ILA artist Gabi Mojica has a few pieces represented as well, including a representation of the Virgin Mary and Jesus, made out of fabrics, that she almost never brings to gallery shows.

“Going back to the story of how Mary as Mother loved her son so much, but also suffers so much because she knew from the beginning that he was going to die at the cross,” said Mojica. “It really meant a lot of emotions for me.”

ILA has been around since 2021. Its mission: Helping local artists overcome cultural barriers.

“What we wanted was to give exposure to Latina visual artists that need a little bit more help than regular artists,” said Mindiola. “We struggle a lot with language, culture, fitting in. Our art seems to be a little bit different than what you regularly see.”

“It has made me connect with a lot of different artists,” said Mojica. “I’ve met a few artists. It’s been awesome to learn about everybody’s art. Learn about different things we do in art. It’s been awesome.”

“Amor y Dolor” opens Friday, Oct. 4, at the Lost Dog Gallery on E. New York Street. If you miss opening night, you can return on Saturday from 6-9 p.m.

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