Icons Among Us

Now on view at Mingei, Fashioning an Icon: Virgin of Guadalupe Imagery in Textile Design celebrates her representation on clothing and adornment. The Virgin of Guadalupe has been a subject of Catholic devotional practice and a muse of artistic expression for over 400 years. This exhibition emphasizes the connection between clothing and cultural identity, inviting visitors to think about the power and endurance of images we encounter, engage with, and even wear, in our daily lives.

Three makers present in the show, textile artist Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski, piñata artist Diana Benavídez, and photographer Arianna Ytselle, bring forth new interpretations of la Virgen in their own mediums.

How do you define an icon?

Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski: For me, an icon is something that carries deep meaning and instantly connects with people's hearts and memories. It could be a symbol, an image, or even a phrase that represents something bigger than itself. An icon authentically represents who you are at your core, and what makes icons recognizable is their ability to tell a story without words—like how the Virgin of Guadalupe on a jacket immediately speaks to our cultura, our faith, and our identity. Icons stand out because they're raw and unapologetic; they don't try to be anything other than what they are.

Diana Benavídez: An icon, to me, is a person or symbol that has an impact within a community or movement. It automatically creates deep connection with the viewer or listener. To me, an icon inspires, motivates, and has a strong correlation with personal convictions.

Arianna Ytselle: When I think of an icon, the first person that comes to mind is my 90-year-old Nana. An icon is someone who challenges the norm and leads with authenticity. They break rules, inspire change, and use their influence to uplift others. They aren’t afraid of what others may think. Icons don’t have to be public figures. What makes them stand out is their impact that they leave on others. Icons know the impact of their presence and use it intentionally. Icons can’t be icons without the people who see themselves in them. They need people who admire, challenge, and support them. Without that connection, an icon wouldn't be an icon.

What skills, interests, or traditions have been passed down in your family? What makes a craft or art "authentic?"

Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski: My authenticity comes from my first-generation Mexican-American upbringing with two very religious immigrant parents in the San Fernando Valley. I learned how to sew inside my father’s studio garage, using the leftover fabric scraps I collected from his sewing room floor. My creative spirit comes from watching my family transform simple things into something beautiful and meaningful. What makes art "authentic" is when it comes from your truth, your lived experience, and for me, it has nothing to do with formal training; I never went to fashion school. It's about always staying true to your vision and your story and not being afraid to make genuine work that stands out from the crowd.

Diana Benavídez: I come from a family of collectors, not necessarily of art or crafts, but of intriguing objects that held potential to be transformed into something new. I spent much of my childhood with my grandfather who always made space in his apartment for everyday items others had discarded. He had a unique ability to see beauty and possibility in what most considered trash. Years later, I came to understand that my own preference for humble materials like paper and cardboard was shaped by his belief in giving objects a second chance.

I believe authenticity in art and craft stems from a place of love. The energy we channel during the creative process is embedded in the work itself. It becomes visible, almost tangible, revealing much about the maker's experience. The choice of materials can speak volumes about a person's values, socioeconomic background, and the landscape they inhabit. All these elements come together to shape the authenticity of a handmade piece.

Arianna Ytselle: I am endlessly grateful that despite being told by society to assimilate, my family held on tightly to their Mexican culture. As a family, we are very loud about our culture in every way possible, but the one interest that has left an impression on me is the music we play. To this day, at my family gatherings, we always end our nights sitting around my Nana to listen to her sing old Mexican boleros. Growing up, my mama would always play Luis Miguel on Saturday mornings as we cleaned our house. My Tia Geno would drive me around in her van, and I was allowed to pick which Juan Gabriel cassette was next. Spanish music has been the soundtrack to my life, from Vicente Fernandez, to Mana, to Chayanne. It has left a lasting impact on me and is all I continue to listen to as an adult.

As an artist, I believe authenticity in craft or art starts with intention. When an artist creates with a clear vision—to tell a story, express emotion, honor culture, or share something personal—that intention gives the work depth and meaning. Authenticity isn’t about perfection or meeting outside expectations. It’s about honesty in the creative process. It resonates on a deeper level when it is made with intention, because then it becomes a piece of the artist. You’re storytelling. That sense of connection and sincerity is what makes art truly authentic.

Are there any icons or symbols in your daily life that represent your family, community, culture, or personal identity?

Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski: Absolutely. My work is filled with symbols from my Chicana identity and my community in Barrio Logan. I incorporate patches, embroidered elements, and phrases in my designs that speak to my first generation Mexican-American upbringing. Every recycled fabric I use tells a story, and when sewn together, they can create a visual language of resilience and transformation. The DIY punk aesthetic that shaped my teenage years in LA is also woven throughout my designs and represents a rebellious spirit that lives within me. Every day when I walk into Sew Loka, I'm surrounded by murals and paintings that represent our community. Even my studio name, "Sew Loka," plays with language in a way that represents my bilingual, bicultural identity.

Arianna Ytselle: Hummingbirds are a strong personal symbol that runs heavy in my immediate family. Whenever there is a hummingbird spotted flying around or a hummingbird drawing on a mural, we all quietly take notice and acknowledge its presence. They are a reminder that despite the fact that my older sister is no longer with us, she still isn’t that far away.

How does your work connect to the mingei philosophy of celebrating art of the everyday?

Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski: My work embodies mingei perfectly, because I take everyday discarded items—thrift store finds, fabric scraps, donated materials from design studios—and transform them into beautiful, functional art. I'm not working with precious materials; I'm finding beauty in what others have thrown away. My process is also very much about the everyday ritual of creation—walking into my studio, pulling out fabrics, turning up the music loud, and letting my hands create through pure instinct. It's childlike and meditative, like when I was eight years old making clothes for my dolls. This daily practice of creation, and my use of humble materials to make something meaningful, intersects perfectly with mingei’s philosophy of celebrating art of the everyday.

Diana Benavídez: By adopting the aesthetic of a widely recognized symbol of celebration (the piñata), I aim to honor the beauty of the everyday. Often overlooked and considered disposable, piñatas are rarely appreciated for the craftsmanship they require. Their accessibility can shadow the labor and skill involved in shaping these intricate paper and cardboard structures. For the past ten years, my artistic practice has focused on elevating this craft, reimagining it in new and unexpected formats. This particular piece represents an evolution of that work, involving experimentation to transform familiar materials and processes into a wearable garment.

Arianna Ytselle: Within the last couple years, my artistic journey has changed, and I've become more intentional about finding beauty and creativity in everyday life. I’ve come to believe that art doesn’t have to exist only in galleries or studios. Art lives in the daily rituals, gestures, and labors of ordinary people. We are all artists. From the way a landscaper shapes a tree, a cook plates a meal, or someone decorates their home altar, they are full of meaning. They may not be recognized as "art," but they all stem from care, culture, and creativity. As a photographer, I feel a responsibility to capture and uplift these everyday moments. My work is constantly evolving, and it has become my duty to highlight the art that surrounds us, whether in public murals, community gatherings, or in the home. That’s why it was so important to me to include different artists in my photos for the exhibition. I wanted to celebrate and include artists from all mediums and continue to uplift and highlight them. There is room for all of us.

Your piece is featured in the "An Icon Among Us" section of Fashioning an Icon. What does this mean to you?

Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski: "An Icon Among Us" means that artistry and vision exist right here in our communities—you don't have to go to far away places to find them. Icons aren't just distant symbols in history books; they're living, breathing parts of our daily lives. They're your neighbors, the person working in the studio down the street. I'm just a seamstress who had the courage to finally call herself an artist, and now the clothing I create becomes iconic when people wear it with pride, when it tells their story or represents their identity. I believe that we're all capable of being icons in our own communities.

Diana Benavídez: It means that a community or movement can transform a symbol or icon to reflect their shared values and ideas. While the Virgin of Guadalupe is originally a religious figure, she has grown to represent Latin American heritage more broadly. As one of the three artists in this section of the exhibition, my work shows how an icon can take on new meanings within a community. In my piece, I reimagined part of the Virgin’s image to honor the often overlooked work of women as caretakers.

Arianna Ytselle: To me, "An Icon Among Us" speaks to the quiet, powerful presence of figures who are woven into our everyday lives. They are so deeply embedded in our surroundings and upbringings that we sometimes forget to truly see them. The Virgencita has always held a strong presence in my life, but it wasn’t until I got older that I began to fully recognize her significance. As a kid, she was just always…there, whether that was in the background, in family altars, candles etc. Because of that constant presence, I think I took her for granted. As I grew older and started to reflect on my identity and spirituality more deeply, I realized how much she was part of me already. Whether I was actively seeking her or not, she seemed to follow me, show up in unexpected places, and remind me of her protection. That’s what inspired my piece, En Cada Rincón, which translates to "In Every Corner." It’s a visual reflection of that feeling, that she is always there, watching over us, guiding us, even when we don’t acknowledge her.

"An Icon Among Us" reminds me that icons aren’t always distant or placed on pedestals. Sometimes, they are in the small, everyday details—in taco shops, entrances of homes, dashboards of drivers, the things we pass by without thinking, but that are deeply sacred. The Virgencita, in this sense, isn’t just a religious figure, she’s a cultural and spiritual anchor, a symbol of comfort, strength, and presence. Her responsibility to care for us doesn’t fade, even when we’re not paying attention.

What parting thoughts would you like to share about your work, your community, the exhibition, or Mingei?

Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski: My biggest hope is that my story encourages others who feel like they're not "qualified" enough to pursue their art. For years, I didn't think I deserved to call myself an artist or a designer, because I couldn't afford fashion school. But authenticity matters more than credentials. People can cruise by my Barrio Logan sewing studio anytime to see what I'm working on and share their stories. That connection, that accessibility, that's what Mingei is about. Don't be afraid to challenge your audience, but more importantly, don't be afraid to challenge yourself. When you create from your truth and stop worrying about everyone else's reactions, that's when the real magic happens. Your story matters, your vision matters, and the world needs what only you can create.

Diana Benavídez: Mingei is a wonderful place to be. The quality of the exhibitions and the Museum’s commitment to showcasing living artists is truly admirable. It’s so important to have exhibitions where people from different communities can feel seen and represented. I’m honored and grateful to be part of this show.

Arianna Ytselle: I am deeply moved by the opportunity to document and celebrate my culture through my camera. My work is rooted in the history and sacrifices of my family, especially my parents, whose journey continues to inspire everything I do. As a Chicana, a first-generation daughter, and the youngest of all my sisters, I carry a sense of responsibility to honor where I come from and to keep our stories alive. But it's not just about my family, it's about all of us. Every person in our community has something beautiful, powerful, and important to say. Growing up brown in the U.S. hasn’t been easy, and it still isn’t. There are so many parts of our experience that get ignored, erased, or silenced. My camera is my way of pushing back against that silence. It’s a tool for truth-telling, for preservation, and for connection. People might not always want to talk about the hard things or take the time to read and learn about our histories, but a photograph has a way of speaking louder than words. You can’t unsee a photo. It demands your attention.

That’s what makes this exhibition and Mingei’s mission so meaningful to me. It’s a chance to show that everyday people, everyday stories, and everyday moments matter. Art is not separate from life, but made of life. I’m grateful to be part of this space that uplifts our community’s voices and validates the beauty in who we are.