Title
Guerillera
Creator
Date
Type
Graphic Arts
Format
Contributor
Annotation
This well-known artwork shows a woman bisected by three white lines at her neck, hips, and knees. She is holding an M16 rifle, surrounded by a pale mandorla, or body halo, typically found on the Virgin of Guadalupe. Three lines of barbed wire cross her legs. Surrounding her are sigils of an Aztec God or goddess. Her body floats amidst an ochre field of open-weave fabric, which connects the print to the textile history of the Americas. The woman’s t-shirt bears the image of Coatlicue, the Aztec goddess of knowledge and mythological warrior woman. The print suggests that this guerrillera has received knowledge and is fighting to preserve it. It may also represent Central American female soldiers. The feminist message supports both interpretations. The image is a symbol of resistance and empowerment of women.
In the past, female guerrilla warriors have been instrumental in revolutionary battles, resistance movements, and liberation fights. They have pushed back against gender norms and helped bring about social and political change. The print might represent grit, tenacity, and resistance in the face of hardship. The female figure questions gender norms by assuming a position usually associated with males in armed warfare. The intricate connections between gender, power, and armed conflict are highlighted by the artist. (Author: Ashley Dominguez)
In the past, female guerrilla warriors have been instrumental in revolutionary battles, resistance movements, and liberation fights. They have pushed back against gender norms and helped bring about social and political change. The print might represent grit, tenacity, and resistance in the face of hardship. The female figure questions gender norms by assuming a position usually associated with males in armed warfare. The intricate connections between gender, power, and armed conflict are highlighted by the artist. (Author: Ashley Dominguez)
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