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