Title: Corazon del Arte (Heart of Art)
Artist: Megumi Miura
Collaborators: Zanna Jamili, Zabiel Nemenzo, Brandon Braza, Zander Lopez
Type of Work: Sculpture / Interactive Installation
Materials Used: Acrylic on Roundbar, Modelling Aluminum Wire, Wire, Foam, Cement, Epoxy, Wood
Size: H 76 inches x W 42 inches x D 30 inches

Megumi Miura, has always had a fascination with Christianity as an artistic concept especially Folk Catholicism; mainly in iconography and symbolism. Having been surrounded by relatives with different Christian beliefs has given her an eclectic view of the religion. She was always told to “just pray” and as an agnostic, the concept of prayer has often eluded her. Somewhat naturally, she was drawn to the enticing devotion to Nuestra Señora de la Santa Muerte (Spanish for Our Lady of the Holy Death), often shortened to Santa Muerte. This unlikely worship to the idol, a female deity or folk saint in Mexican and Mexican-American folk Catholicism drove her to build her own shrine here at Art District. A personification of death, she is associated with healing, protection, and safe delivery to the afterlife by her devotees. She is also believed to bless those often shunned in the society like petty criminals and homosexuals, many of her devotees are taxi drivers, vendors of counterfeit merchandise, street people, prostitutes, pickpockets, petty drug traffickers and gang members who follow the cult are not practicing Catholics or Protestants, but neither are they atheists.

The artist thinks that it would be a perfect fit to put her in Art District, a place that has become a hub for all lovers of the arts. Artists and art enthusiasts are often judged by the mainstream and would most likely be taken under the wing of Santa Muerte. This would also be a great allegory to women who are often judged by their unusual, unconventional, and dark choices in appearance which the artist feels strongly about. Santa Muerte will have her protective light in the heart of the art (corazón del arte) district for its motley crew. It is also important that the piece highlight the cycle of life and death. The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in so much death and upheaval to “normal” life that the grotto is a homage to those who passed away, as well as to protect those who are living. The grotto of Santa Muerte is a testament to the cycle of life and death and the assurance that things continue to go on.

NOTE: The audience is encouraged to leave their offerings of tequila, coffee, flowers, and/or cigarettes at their feet.