Lady Guadalupe 

Octavio Ocampo's "Lady Guadalupe" is an oil on canvas that invites us to reflect on the nature of seeing, and the power of collective imagery. At first glance, we see the iconic Virgin of Guadalupe. But look closer: the image resolves into a multitude of smaller figures, their faces and forms coalescing to create the larger portrait. This is "metamorphic" art, a visual game of seeing-within-seeing. Ocampo’s technique has a cultural significance too. The layering of images mirrors the way that cultural narratives are built – repeated retellings, each adding a new layer of meaning. This complex, optical illusion also emphasizes the importance of perspective and interpretation in understanding cultural symbols and historical figures. The sheer labor involved in painting each individual figure also speaks volumes about the power and commitment of collective belief. So, when you look at "Lady Guadalupe", consider not just what you see, but how the artist invites you to see, and what that says about how we make meaning together.