Two Boyle Heights art exhibits to see this Women’s History Month

March marks Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate and honor the contributions of women throughout history. One way to do so is by visiting spaces that uplift the work of women artists. 

In Boyle Heights, two exhibits showcase the creativity and strength of women and women-identifying artists, highlighting themes of empowerment, resilience, resistance and self-care.

“Eres Poderosa” 

The annual “Eres Poderosa” exhibit will kick off its opening reception at CaminArte this Friday at Boyle Heights’ Espacio 1839. 

The exhibition celebrates the resilience, strength and power of women and women-identifying artists worldwide.

In 2016, Myra Vasquez, co-owner of Espacio 1839, thought of the idea to host an annual exhibit celebrating women and has been curating the show ever since, with assistance from other women. 

“It is my way of giving back to all the women who have inspired me, it is a celebration. Especially during these times when the world feels like it’s falling apart,” said Vasquez.

“Advocacy for women is totally beyond one day in March…There is so much beauty in women supporting each other and together we can fuel a much greater impact on each other lives.” 

The exhibit will showcase the work of over 20 artists, including Adriana Carranza from Kalli Arte Collective, and Andrea Ramirez, known as Mextica. The evening will also feature performances by special guest poets, including Yesika Salgado, Alma Rosa Rivera and Rebecca Gonzalez. 

In addition to the artwork, Vasquez said the exhibit’s opening event promises a night filled with musical performances, handcrafted goods from local vendors and a tattoo pop-up. 

“Ximehua Mujer” 

Just next door to Espacio 1839, the “Ximehua Mujer” exhibit, hosted by local bar Distrito Catorce and the Vezbi Foundation, is now on display. Curated by Boyle Heights artist Lilia “Liliflor” Ramirez and named after a Nahuatl and Spanish phrase meaning “rise up, woman,” the exhibit showcases the work of 10 local BIPOC artists. 

Ramirez invites the community to visit the exhibit as a way to support and invest in the work of local women artists. 

“It’s important to advocate for women today because our autonomy is crucial to protect,” Ramirez said. “Currently, our safety, happiness, gender equality, bodily autonomy and our very existence is affected by a patriarchal crusade.”

Ramirez describes herself as a hybrid visionary artist, painter, muralist and curator. She runs her studio, Liliflor Art, in Boyle Heights, and also teaches art in continuation schools and juvenile camps. 

The exhibit, which had its opening reception last weekend to celebrate International Women’s Day, offers a visual celebration of women’s triumphs, ancestry, tradition, and family connections. Featured artists include Pinchi Michi Art, Sonji Art, Skira Martinez, and Griselda Medina, among many more.