Plantcestors

Plants sustained our ancestors and they continue to sustain us—through food, medicine, clothing, housing, to providing the very oxygen we breathe. This first iteration of the series, Plantcestors, depicts the portraits of 14 artists and activists based in Yanaguana. Each portrait holds actual natural plant materials within the painting that the person is connected to. I believe that the plants we are connected to in this life are meaningful to us because they were meaningful to our ancestors. As we connect with our relative that is the land, we remember, we appreciate, and we reciprocate the gifts that she gives us. The extensive process of creating these works has included photography, discussion, gardening, foraging, gathering, pressing, dehydrating, gluing, resining several layers, and finally, painting. The figures sit on the surface, in the present. Their Plantcestors are behind them but remain a part of them.

Included are portraits of Karla Aguilar, Isabel Ann Castro, Jennifer Ling Datchuk, Kaldric Dow, Kimiya Denise Factory, Anthony Francis, Barbie Hurtado, Diana Lopez, Yadhira Lozano, Mikey Menchaca, Cassandra Parker-Nowicki, Vanessa Quezada, Mary Agnes Rodriguez, and Daisy Salinas.

Join us for an Opening Reception on February 18th at Galería E.V.A. from 6-9pm.
Galería E.V.A., 3412 S Flores, San Antonio, TX 78204
Parking off W Glenn Ave.

Light refreshments and snacks by donation.

The exhibition will be on view by appointment through March 4th.

Contact suzy@suzygonzalez.com.

Plantcestors is funded in part by the City of San Antonio Individual Artist Grant and the ARPA 4 Arts Grant Program.