Untitled, A Subjective Reflection on Mary Magdalene by Juanita Lanzó
Juanita Lanzó's abstract image is described by the artist as "a subjective reflection on life's ephemeral and transient aspect, and the promise of renewal and hope, mirroring Mary Magdalene' witnessing the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ." This small and powerful image subtly evokes a sense of interiority and flow into the unknown self.
Earthy reds and traces of graphite guide us into the depths of the soul-body. It may suggest in one's mind the gnostic understanding of the ultimate goal of human beings: becoming fully human or a balanced and integrated being where body, soul and mind unite with Spirit to realize true potential.
Untitled (2022-23) is was created with watercolor pencil on Stonehenge brown-toned paper. It measures 15" x 11".
About the Artist
Juanita Lanzo is a visual artist, educator, and independent curator working in The Bronx. Using imagery that alludes to living organisms, and the natural world, Ms. Lanzo reflects on themes of body politics, gender identity, desire, memory, the Caribbean and African Diasporic identity, postcolonialism, and racism. Her works have been included in group exhibitions at WallWorks NYC, Bronx Art Space, Hell Gate Arts, and Longwood Art Gallery @ Hostos, in the Bronx, Aljira Center for Contemporary Art, Newark, New Jersey, Taller Boricua, Clemente Soto Velez's Cultural Center, Bullet Art Space, and Yi Gallery in NYC, Charlie James Gallery in LA, California, and the University of Puerto Rico Galería Oller, Museo de Arte e Historia, Galería Sede del Instituto de Cultura, Museo de Arte de Caguas, and Ateneo Puertorriqueño, San Juan PR.
Ms. Lanzo graduated from City College in NY (MFA 2004--Printmaking and Drawing/Painting) and from the University of Puerto Rico (BFA 1996--Printmaking and Drawing), and currently lives in East Harlem, N.Y.
To view more, please visit www.juanitalanzo.com.
***
This artwork is part of the collective art exhibition dedicated to Mary Magdalene titled Blossoming, July 18-22 in El Barrio Art Space Art Gallery, with a reception on July 22, 2023, during The Mary Magdalene Celebration. This exhibition is possible thanks to La Casa de La Herencia Cultural Puertorriqueña, Inc.
