This piece belongs to Sierra’s innovative “Muslin Works”, and powerfully conveys themes of spirituality, strength, and acceptance.
At the center of Untitled (Mixed media, 2015) stands a female figure whose head is draped in what resembles a cloth. Her hands cover her eyes, while radiant beams of light emerge from behind her. The interplay of these beams—contrasting bright light with deep shades of blue—creates a powerful sense of depth, almost projecting the figure forward. The symmetrical lines in the background contrast with the more organic linework and tonal diffusion in the woman’s clothing, adding both texture and movement to the composition.
The vibrant, metallic covering on her head evokes the image of a halo, with the beams forming an aura around her. This religious symbolism reflects Sierra’s Catholic upbringing and early education, infusing the piece with spiritual undertones. While blue often symbolizes calm and serenity, the shift between light and dark blues introduces a feeling of uncertainty. Yet, the woman’s expression remains calm and resolute—despite her covered eyes, she seems to face the unknown with quiet confidence.
Her posture and the outward direction of her gaze, paired with the motion implied by the beams, suggest a willingness to step forward in faith. The piece powerfully conveys themes of spirituality, strength, and acceptance.
Untitled is part of F. John Sierra Retrospective at Arte Américas.
Written by Arte América’s Cultural Arts Fellow (2025), Juliana Alcalá.
