Guadalupe Reyes’ The Writer captures the essence of the artist’s perspective through expression, aesthetics and mastery of formal and design elements. The work tells a story through the depiction of a self portrait featuring the artist’s creative decision to use acrylic paint on linen with a vibrant color palette-a technique she uses to express beauty in people and culture. She appears in the painting as an observer; the leaning forward posture of the artist, soft gaze and hand gently upon cheek symbolizes an active discussion. The painting functions like a thrust stage in which the observer can join the conversation through breaking the fourth wall.
A print copy of Sandra Cisneros’ The House on Mango Street appears on the table between the artist and audience. The novel explores Esperanza Cordero’s journey to discover space for re-inventing herself, or “a house of her own.” The coming-of-age story examines the role of identity, gender and the plight of dreams.
In the introduction to the 25th anniversary edition, the author explains “she wants the writers she admires to respect her work, but she also wants people who don’t usually read books to enjoy these stories too.” Reyes’ work exemplifies the author’s assertion, broadening the conversation on the novel’s themes through art.
Reyes spotlights Cisneros novels through aesthetics: Woman Hollering Creek and Other Stories, Caramelo, or, Puro cuento, and Have You Seen Marie?
In The House on Mango Street, Esperanza aspires to return for “the ones [she] left behind”. Reyes’ art explores concepts within traditional stories, particularly in honor of Dia de los Muertos. Several of the artist’s works include la presencia de mariposas as a device for expressing a spiritual connection through art.
