June 26, 2001
Subject: Email of Support
Date: Tue, 26 Jun 2001 07:02:15 -0600
From: "Doug Bocaz-Larson" <tencat@metacrawler.com>
To: almalopez@earthlink.net
I wanted to write a quick email saying that
this New Mexican supports you and your work. "Our Lady" is a powerful
and bold statement that should be shared.
What bothers me about the protestors is that
they have a problem with your work, but it's okay to have Our Lady of Guadeloupe
plastered on the window of a gang member's low rider.
Keep up the good work. As a computer/graphic
art teacher, I applaud your technique and artistic efforts.
Sincerely,
Doug Bocaz-Larson
Subject: Image of Guadalupe
Date: Tue, 26 Jun 2001 10:59:43 EDT
From: DavidH410@aol.com
To: almalopez@earthlink.net
Dear Alma,
People that cannot appreciate your art should get a life. My wife and I own a shop in the Southtown area of San Antonio, and if you are familiar with San Antonio you will know that the Southtown area is the so-called art center of the city. Are you selling prints of your Guadalupe, wholesale if possible? Our shop is called Southtown Emporium and we feature art shows from time to time. We support artists in general, Chicano artists in particular. Besides, worship of anyone other than Christ is idolatry and that is biblical. Best wishes in all your work.
Subject:
Date: Tue, 26 Jun 2001 21:20:01
From: "PAUL VELAZQUE3Z" <superpaul1@hotmail.com>
To: almalopez@earthlink.net
Hola:
Que tal! Cómo
está, espero se encuentre bien de salud, habemos personas que nos gusta
el arte, las expresiones que cada uno de nosotros podemos producir, pues simplemente
somos expresión.
Escribo para saber si ¿en algún momento se ha expuesto su creación
en el país de México, específicamente en el estado de
Guanajuato, y particularmente en León, Gto.?
En algún momento ha causado controversía no solamente en donde
se exhibe la obra, sino en todo latinoamérica. Me gustaría que
este correo tuviera vuelta a manera de contestación y no sólo
pase desapercibido.
ATTE: PAUL VELÁZQUEZ.
Subject: "Our Lady" Image
Date: Tue, 26 Jun 2001 22:19:45 -0700
From: "Steven DaLuz" <sdaluz@satx.rr.com>
To: <almalopez@earthlink.net>
First, I personally do not find anything overtly
offensive about the art work, though I can understand how Catholics might
be offended. In essence, the piece could be interpreted as a desecration
of a holy icon. Insensitivity to that is unfortunate.
Though the piece doesn't do anything for me, I am struck by the fact that
there are some artists who would deliberately produce imagery that may be
construed as offensive or controversial simply to draw attention to themselves.
Rather than produce work which innately has artistic merit, they would resort
to subversive tactics, then feign shock over the apparent attempt to squelch
their "freedom of expression". I think this piece falls into
that category.
I would never deny the artist the right to free expression--the artist has
the right to create what they want. BUT, I do NOT support the idea that
the art must therefore be publicy funded or supported. That is not an
inherent right of free speech or expression. I don't come to this conclusion
lightly--I am an artist myself.
Good luck, and enjoy the notoriety....
Steve DaLuz