Photo from La Virgen de Guadalupe exhibit

ITC hosts La Virgen de Guadalupe lecture Oct. 29

(Oct. 25, 2004)--Diana Molina, photographer of the "La Virgen de Guadalupe: La Morena Moderna" exhibit, now on view at UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures, will give a slide presentation and discussion on her works at 6 p.m., Friday, Oct. 29 at ITC.

Visitors can see the depiction of La Virgen de Guadalupe, or Our Lady of Guadalupe, as a symbol transcending politics, race and gender through the photographs in Molina's exhibit.

"As society is affected by modern times and the role of women in Mexican and Mexican-American culture is altered, (La Virgen's) image also reflects new perspectives, new dimensions and new conflicts," said Molina.

In addition to her presence in indigenous and Mexican-American traditions and ceremonies, La Virgen has evolved as a transnational symbol throughout contemporary society, a symbol at such events as the 2003 Immigrant Workers Freedom ride to Capitol Hill and the 2002 canonization of St. Juan Diego in Mexico City. Additionally, the icon is now seen on everyday items, such as clothing and banners.

La Virgen de Guadalupe (the Virgin of Guadalupe) has long been revered by people on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border as a symbol transcending political, racial and gender ties. The exhibit by Diana Molina provides a contemporary documentary of La Virgen de Guadalupe through 25 photographs depicting La Virgen within an artistic framework, showcasing the myriad of artistic, popular and commercial presentations of her image.

The story of La Virgen is based in Tepayac, Mexico City, where Mary, the mother of Jesus, appeared as an indigenous woman in a vision to Juan Diego, an Indian peasant, during winter. Upon her instruction, Juan Diego told the local Catholic bishop to build a shrine on the site where she appeared.

Dismissed by the bishop, Juan Diego returned to the site and La Virgen gave him a sign, after which he again appealed to the bishop. As soon as Juan Diego opened his mantle, red roses tumbled to the floor and a portrait of La Virgen was shown imprinted on his clothing. The bishop fell to his knees, praising God and immediately built a church on the site.

The lecture and exhibit are included with admission. The exhibit will be on display through Dec. 19 in the ITC lower gallery. For more information, contact Patricia Dunn at (210) 458-2356 or visit the Institute of Texan Cultures Web site.