"La Pelona" - Ester Hernandez
"La Pelona" was painted in 1980 in mixed media. Ester Hernandez used her own hair for the creation as well as clay,
acrylic paint, and other media forms. The 6'' by 4'' piece of art is a self portrait of how Hernandez would like to look in death. "Ester
Hernández has said '" La Pelona" and I are not strangers. I've always enjoyed laughing at and creating images of a mischievous
parrandiando muerta [partying dead woman]. This friendly interaction makes me appreciate life. Joining this with my love of small
things. I created this miniature ceramic mask. I have dressed her as I would my own calavera (skeleton)-- muy alegre, con su sandia,
turquesa, diente de oro, y pelo largo y negro [very happy, with her watermelon, turquoise, tooth of gold and long black hair]. ¡Que
Viva La Vida! [Long Live Life!].'" 2
"La Pelona" was chosen for the Death Gallery because it truly exemplifies the Chicano/a view of death. In the Chicano
culture, death is viewed in a more positive manner than in other cultures, as noted by the celebration of El Dia De Los Muertos. It is
not something to be feared but rather is looked upon as a natural part of life. "La Pelona" adds humor to a heavy subject with her
vibrant and amusing hat. It gives a more approachable and pleasant face to death. "La Pelona" seems to be a young woman who is
wearing a slice of watermelon as a hat; the watermelon represents the ability and responsibility of women to procreate before their
death.
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