Conclusion

As shown from the above posts, artwork can be extremely important in questioning conventional ideas and beliefs of a certain society. Christian Chicana feminist artists used their work to challenge the patriarchal society that they live in and even the patriarchal society of Biblical times. Through their work they promote a strong, prominent feminine figure, one who does not need a man to survive. They offer a role model to women of all ages and hopefully promote a new-found interest in young people’s religion by renewing faith in a traditional religious figure. 

Not only that, but the Virgin of Guadalupe is depicted as a brown women, so these artists are challenging cultural and race barriers as well. They are asking Christians to consider whether their Blessed Mother was actually a Caucasian woman, like the traditional European story of Mary, or whether she may in fact have been a woman of color. If this is indeed the case, maybe racist feelings toward other cultures will subside in people with religious backgrounds and they in turn can help curb racism among the rest of the world. It is a lofty idea, but religion may in fact be the easiest and best way to end ideas like racism or sexism (even though sexism may have risen from patriarchal religions).

This religious mixing of races, cultures, and genders can be seen not only in the images of the Virgin of Guadalupe, but also in artwork featuring the Black Madonna and in pilgrimages to Marian sites by Muslim and Buddhist followers. The Christian Mother of God seems to bring all types of people together, people who for the most part respect each other’s beliefs and cultures. If more religions can expand on this nondiscrimination aspect of their faith, whether through artwork, literature, or group gatherings, they can set precedence for other groups of people to set the same kind of standards for their group and hopefully promote a safe, welcoming environment for people of all walks of life.