Adrian at The California Museum

It is an honor to have been invited to create two altars at the California Museum in Sacramento, dedicated to Yolanda Lopez and Rene Yanez, two of the most prominent and influential Chicano artists, in addition to having been my friends and mentors. Thank you Lindsey Crawford for the constant support. A big thank you to Amanda Sanchez, Exhibitions Director of the California Museum.

Altar for Yolanda Lopez:

Hearts and Flowers to remember Yolanda Lopez (Altar Wall)

Acrylic, ink and watercolor on Arches paper. 100 x 300 inches

This altar is a heartfelt tribute to influential Chicana artist Yolanda López, whose legacy as a mentor and teacher shaped countless artists, including myself. Yolanda’s guidance left an indelible mark on the artistic vision of younger generations, influencing both their aesthetic and their dedication to social justice. Her work as a civil rights advocate and her deep connection to the community continue to inspire.

The altar features four hearts, each symbolizing the union of the four elements through the four cardinal directions. These hearts were painted in collaboration with Lindsey Crawford, whose inspiring words are interwoven with the visual imagery. This fusion of text and art embodies the powerful collaborations that can arise between different artistic mediums and disciplines. I chose to incorporate these hearts into the altar because they represent both human unity and the union of various forms of expression—an idea that has resonated with me ever since I encountered the work of Yolanda, whose art continues to inspire me.

Additionally, the altar-wall includes four images of medicinal plants, serving as a tribute to the healing properties and inherent beauty of medicinal flowers native to California and the broader Americas. These plants represent not only physical healing but also the deeper connection

Altar for Rene Yañez:

Marigold skull with traveling bodies / Ink and watercolor on Arches paper / 30 x 42 in

Rene dreaming of Frida a few moments before meeting her / Acrylic, ink and watercolor on Arches paper / 51 x 70 in.

Orange Heart Oracle / Acrylic on Arches paper / 30 x 42 in. / inspired by the words of Lindsey Crawford

This altar honors René Yañez, a visionary artist and co-creator of the Day of the Dead celebrations in San Francisco’s Bay Area. The skull with marigolds and traveling bodies represent the eternal cycle of life and death, paying tribute to souls like René who have crossed into the afterlife. His figure, dreaming of Frida Kahlo, symbolizes their imminent reunion in the spiritual realm, uniting two revolutionary spirits whose art celebrated cultural identity.

The orange heart, an oracle of transformation, is formed from the fragile beauty of monarch butterflies, autumn leaves, human handprints, and sacred fire. It reflects the creative energy René inspired in younger generations, encouraging boldness in manifesting new ideas. His legacy continues to guide future artists through the transformative power of art.

René Yañez’s personal items on this altar reveal his creative and cultural essence. Notebooks with poems, ideas and sketches, such as the one that inspired “The Great Tortilla Conspiracy,” reflect his legacy. Among them, a tortilla with the figure of Frida Kahlo, his eternal muse, stands out. There is also a drawing of his from 1967, a napkin portrait made by José Montoya, and a pencil from the Royal Chicano Air Force, an activist group to which he was associated. His watch, his favorite jacket, a cassette with his music, his paint brushes, a papier-mâché skull, a protective eye. The “Homies” dolls, which he collected, surround the altar as a reminder of his humor and his love for popular culture. Each object is a testimony to his life and work, and together they evoke his unmistakable presence.