Why I Create Art: How Dogs and Flowers Tell Stories of Trauma and Tradition
You can find me, Evelyn Galindo, at drgartlab.com or at drgartlab.etsy.com
Today is November 16, 2024. Thirty-five years ago, six Jesuit priests, their housekeeper, and her teenage daughter were murdered by U.S.-backed Salvadoran soldiers in the capital city of El Salvador. The massacre at the Universidad Centroamericana “José Simeón Cañas” (UCA) was a turning point in the Salvadoran Civil War, exposing the brutal state-sanctioned violence against advocates for justice and human rights. As we reflect on this solemn anniversary, I consider how the enduring memory of this event influences my work at Dr G Art Lab, where I explore themes of trauma, cultural heritage, and the power of post memory through Latin American art.
Memory as Inheritance: The Role of Post memory in Salvadoran Art
The concept of post memory, introduced by Marianne Hirsch, has profoundly shaped my artistic vision. Postmemory captures the emotional impact of historical trauma passed down through generations, shaping the way we connect to these events through inherited stories, symbols, and cultural imagery. At Dr G Art Lab, my paintings are deeply rooted in the collective memories of the Salvadoran diaspora.
You can find me, Evelyn Galindo, at drgartlab.com or at drgartlab.etsy.com
Silent Witnesses in My Art: The Perro Aguacatero and the Calla Lily Vendor
In my artwork, recurring figures like the perro aguacatero (the stray street dog) and the calla lily vendor are powerful symbols of silent witnessing. These figures represent the quiet observers of history — those who bear witness without a voice, existing on the periphery of dominant narratives. They embody the resilience and silent endurance of marginalized communities, which is a core theme in my Salvadoran-inspired art.
The Perro Aguacatero: A Symbol of Migration and Survival
The perro aguacatero, a familiar stray dog seen on the streets of El Salvador, is more than just a subject in my paintings — it is a poignant symbol of migration, resilience, and the silent endurance of those displaced by conflict or poverty. Much like the Salvadoran diaspora, this figure navigates the margins, adapting to its surroundings while observing the world in silence. In my pieces, the perro aguacatero serves as a metaphor for the overlooked voices of history — those who experienced the brutality of war but were never named in official records. Its presence in my Latinx art is a tribute to these untold stories, offering a space for reflection on the unspoken trauma that shapes our shared past.
You can find me, Evelyn Galindo, at drgartlab.com or at drgartlab.etsy.com
The Calla Lily Vendor: Celebrating Salvadoran Women’s Resilience
The calla lily vendor, another central figure in my art, symbolizes the cultural strength and resilience of Salvadoran women. The calla lily, often associated with mourning and remembrance, becomes a powerful symbol of memory. The vendor, typically depicted against a vibrant backdrop, highlights the beauty of tradition amidst the sorrow of displacement. She represents the keeper of cultural memory, preserving the stories and practices that continue despite the adversities of migration. This theme resonates deeply with my audience seeking Salvadoran heritage art and pieces that celebrate Latin American culture.
By juxtaposing the calla lily vendor’s active cultural preservation with the passive, silent witnessing of the perro aguacatero, my paintings create a dialogue about the dual experience of the Salvadoran diaspora: the preservation of cultural identity and the quiet, often invisible struggle for survival. These figures are central to my Salvadoran folk art collection, available on Dr G Art Lab’s website, where I offer giclée art prints and limited-edition artworks that capture these poignant narratives.
Navigating Memory in Bukele’s El Salvador
Under President Nayib Bukele, El Salvador’s political narrative has shifted towards modernization and digital transformation, often overshadowing the painful legacies of the civil war. While his focus on progress appeals to a younger generation, it risks diminishing the significance of historical sites like the UCA. In this context, my art serves as a counter-narrative, reminding viewers of the complex stories that cannot be simplified or erased. The figures of the perro aguacatero and the calla lily vendor resist this erasure, embodying the resilience of cultural memory amid a rapidly changing society. This approach resonates with those interested in art that challenges historical amnesia and celebrates the endurance of Salvadoran cultural heritage.
New Silences in the Digital Age: Preserving Memory Through Art
The rise of social media and digital platforms under Bukele’s tech-savvy leadership has transformed how we engage with memory, often leading to polarized, superficial debates about the civil war and its aftermath. My recurring figures — the perro aguacatero and the calla lily vendor — symbolize the silent endurance of voices excluded from these curated digital conversations. By featuring these characters in my work, I aim to give space to the quiet strength of those whose stories are rarely told but whose experiences continue to shape our collective understanding.
My work at Dr G Art Lab seeks to bridge the past and present, inviting viewers to engage with themes of post memory, Salvadoran history, and the resilience of the diaspora. Each piece is created with the hope that it offers a moment of reflection and a deeper connection to the rich, layered stories of Latin American art and the enduring spirit of the Salvadoran people. Explore my collection on Dr G Art Lab and discover how art can serve as a powerful tool for memory and cultural dialogue.
You can find me, Evelyn Galindo, at drgartlab.com or at drgartlab.etsy.com
