Battle of the Saints
Exhibition on View March 7, 2024 - April 27, 2024
Long Beach City College Gallery

Battle of the Saints highlights the everyday icons worshiped across cultures. Their images and likeness have become so ubiquitous that they appear in our daily lives, from billboards to candles, key chains, murals, t-shirts, toys, and more throughout our world. Revered figures like wrestlers, saints, gods, artists, political activists, and athletes are just a few of the cultural icons whose likeness instills a profound sense of community.

The artists in the exhibition have all used iconography as a powerful storytelling tool. Some subvert the image of cultural and religious icons, while others elevate an everyday hero into holy figures by appropriating symbolism from religious depictions of saints, including the Virgen de Guadalupe. Additionally, some artists bring attention to influential figures through unique and innovative perspectives, such as elevating the luchador as a Saint symbolizing Chicano Power or showcasing La Virgen as an immigrant receiving her Green card.

In this metaphorical "Battle of the Saints," we playfully bestow a sense of "sainthood" upon these icons, acknowledging the elevated status they occupy within our community.

This group show will highlight prints from the Self Help Graphics Professional Print Studio, including Salomon Huerta and Isabel Martinez, alongside local artists in Los Angeles and Long Beach, such as Josiah O’Balles, Sayon Syprasoeuth, and more.