Art Review: Sandra Vásquez de la Horra’s The Awake Volcanoes
LOS ANGELES — The art world is a place where one can find a reflection of their own inner world, a place where the universal truths of humanity are laid bare through the unique and idiosyncratic vision of artists. Sandra Vásquez de la Horra’s exhibition, The Awake Volcanoes, at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, is a testament to this profound connection between the personal and the universal.
Born in Chile and raised under the oppressive regime of Augusto Pinochet, Vásquez de la Horra’s work delves into the intersection of the exploitation of the natural world and the subordination of women. Through her beeswax-dipped drawings, she explores themes of erupting women, mystical landscapes, and hallucinatory flora, creating a visual language that speaks to the shared experiences of fury, wonder, and vitality that animate us all.
One of the striking pieces in the exhibition is “Volcánica (The Volcanic Woman)” (2023), a taupe figure at the center of the composition, exuding smoke and bubbles from crimson volcanic nipples. This image encapsulates the primal energy and life force that permeates the entire collection, resonating with viewers on a visceral level.
Throughout the exhibition, female figures intertwine with elements of nature such as mountain ranges, wild animals, citrus trees, and celestial bodies, blurring the boundaries between the human and the natural world. In works like “Anillo de fuego (Ring of Fire)” (2023) and “Deidad planetaria (Planetary Deity)” (2015), Vásquez de la Horra explores the interconnectedness of all living beings, highlighting the cyclical nature of life and the miraculous unity of the universe.
The artist’s ecofeminist perspective shines through in her art, revealing the intertwined relationship between the body and the environment. Without being didactic, Vásquez de la Horra emphasizes the connection between the exploitation of nature and the subjugation of women, suggesting that the liberation of one body is intricately linked to the liberation of all.
The Awake Volcanoes is a powerful exhibition that challenges viewers to rethink their relationship with the natural world and the forces that shape our lives. Through her intricate and evocative drawings, Sandra Vásquez de la Horra invites us to contemplate the interconnectedness of all living beings and the urgent need for collective resistance and solidarity.
Sandra Vásquez de la Horra: The Awake Volcanoes is on display at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles until March 1, 2026. The exhibition offers a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection of art, nature, and feminism, curated with care and insight by Raphael Fonseca and the team at ICA LA.
