Art Show to Reflect Economy, American Dream

Artist Stephanie Mercado overlooks an oil painting hanging in her Highland Park studio. The portrait is filled with 18th century imagery but also modern day influences. Think Marie Antoinette carrying a Louis Vuitton purse. Literally.

“Displays of wealth really come from a historical context from 17th, 18th and even 19th century imagery,” she explains of her inspiration. 

Entitled Mine is Forever, the painting is one of many (gouaches and oil paintings) that will debut at 6 p.m. Saturday in Mercado’s show: Land of Plenty.

While the aesthetics are romantic, her color choice is vibrant and the work itself reminds us that social and economic inequities have spanned centuries: “the greed and the pursuit of material goals, and the price some of us are willing to pay for their attainment,” wrote SPACE in a recent press release.

“It’s about providing for the next generation—the pursuit of the American dream,” Mercado said of her work.

“There’s also the element of flaunting one’s success and not being so much satisfied with just having a simple house.”

Back to her Roots

Land of Plenty grew from the idea of immigration, said Mercado. Her family's story is deeply rooted in her art—with her grandparents having come to the states from Guadalajara in the ‘60s in hopes of a “better life.” 

It’s also the people in her hometown of Boyle Heights who have made an impact, she said.  

“I live in a low-income neighborhood where there are people selling oranges on the street corner—or roses—just to make a living … and trying to make it just to have the basics, the necessities.”

Yet while economic inequities and the American dream are apparent themes in Land of Plenty, there is also a playful vibe throughout the work she produces.

"It's not so brutal and so visually challenging in a sense that it punches you in the stomach," she notes. "I very much value having a sense of humor." 

Interested in seeing it for yourself? Land of Plenty will be on display at through March 10. Come out for an opening reception to meet Mercado from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Saturday.