By: Ashmar Mandou
Monumental perfectly captures the life of professional artist Kandy Lopez, who presented her first Chicago solo showing of her multimedia Afro-Caribbean American portrait with ACA Galleries, based in New York, at this year’s EXPO Chicago. “I am so excited to be here and to see my work in this space, but I’m more excited to see the work of other artists. I know this is a celebration of my work, but I love looking at the work from other artists,” said Lopez. With roots in New Jersey and South Florida, Lopez has strong ties to Chicago as she was a winner of Latino Art Beat (LAB) Arts competition back in 2006 and she attributes much of her success as an artist to her experience with organization. “My teacher informed me of the Latino Art Beat competition and encouraged me to submit my work,” said Lopez. “At the time there weren’t that many opportunities for students in the arts and then to be named the national winner, I was shocked. It was amazing and really helped me as an artist because I began to examine my mixed, cultural identity.”
Lopez draws from a myriad of individuals she crosses paths with from friends, family, and strangers to depict social issues of identity and community and to ignite conversations of the meaning of “otherness,” especially in today’s political climate. “With everything going on today it is easy to withdraw from spaces or to feel as if we don’t belong so it is particularly important to me that the individual in my work feels monumental and powerful. I want there to be a bit of a religious aspect to it, like an icon, especially if I am depicting minorities. I think it’s important for us to see ourselves in those spaces, and for other people to see us in that light,” said Lopez. Based on source images taken while kneeling and looking up at her subject, Lopez’s fiber works emphasizes the agency and power of her muses. “It is remarkable to see just how far Kandy has come as an artist,” said Latino Art Beat President and Co-founder Don Rossi Nuccio. “It is incredible to see an artist like her with such powerful messaging resonate with so many people. She’s an exceptional artist. It’s just a testament to the importance of Latino Art Beat.” Latino Art Beat is a Chicago based not for profit arts organization that celebrates the artistic talents of young visual artists and filmmakers. “I encourage young artists to look into programs like Latino Art Beat and I encourage them to create their own space in the art world,” said Lopez.
Photo Caption(Top): Artist Kandy Lopez (left) showcases first Chicago solo show at EXPO Chicago with mentor Don Rossi Nuccio (right), president and co-founder of Latino Art Beat.
