Guadalupe Maravilla’s retablo sculptures are a profound fusion of personal history, cultural heritage, and healing practices. Drawing from his experiences as an immigrant and cancer survivor, Maravilla’s work incorporates traditional Latin American retablos — devotional paintings offering thanks for divine intervention in difficult times.
His series, which began in 2019, is not only an artistic expression but also a means of creating micro-economies, as he collaborates with artisans like Daniel Vilchis, a fourth-generation retablo painter. These pieces often feature oil on tin and mixed mediums on wood, reflecting on themes of trauma, healing, and community support. Maravilla’s retablos are a testament to resilience and the power of art to encapsulate and transcend personal and collective struggles.
More info: Instagram, PPOW Gallery.
