To commemorate and celebrate the vital role of womxn in our community and beyond, Brava Artist in Residence Agana, along with guest artists ShiShi Madriz, Leslie “Dime” Lopez, Lucía González Ippolito, and Keena Romano, installed artworks in Brava’s storefront windows on a half block of 24th Street. Each artist created a piece in tribute to another artist whose art and life influenced their own.
The artworks will be up through the middle of April and we invite you to stroll by Brava for an in-person view. Visit us in San Francisco’s Mission District, 24th Street, York to Hampshire.
Below is information on each of the five artists who created the window displays, along with bios and images of the artists the work pays tribute to:
Susan Cervantes
Art by Agana
Loreto Sanhueza
Art by ShiShi Madriz
Xochitl Nevel Guerrero
Art by Leslie “Dime” Lopez
Juana Alicia
Art by Lucía González Ippolito
Juana Alicia was my mentor and teacher during my childhood as well as a family friend and respected fellow community member. In my teens, her and my father developed a romantic relationship and for the last 17 years she has been my stepmother. I consider my relationship with Juana Alicia very dynamic and complex considering I've gotten to experience her energy in so many different forms. I have learned so much from her and have a deep sincere respect for her work as well as her being. Her legacy and impact on the art world, Latino community, and my own family is why I chose to paint her for International Women's Day. - Lucía González Ippolito
Ntozake Shange
Art by Keena Romano
For this project I chose to paint Ntozake Shange to go along with our theme “Women Are Magic” and it seemed fitting for the Brava Theater Venue as she was a dancer, author and playwright. I grew up with her books in our household and can share the impact “Cypress, Sassafras and Indigo” had on my formative teenage years. She addresses and honors femininity at its different milestones and scenarios through life and shares some of the magic we have access to during those epic moments. I highly recommend experiencing her work through literature or a performance near you! - Keena Romano
