La Onda Latino at The Studio Door: A Celebrating Latin Colors of the Soul, Cultural Identity and Expression

By Luz Maria Villanueva PhD

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Hillcrest, The Studio Door Gallery serves as the backdrop for La Onda Latino, a powerful and evocative exhibition curated by Andy Gonzalez. Featuring a diverse array of Latino artists, this show is an invitation—an entryway into a world where cultural roots, political struggles, and artistic evolution collide in mesmerizing forms. Even if you've never set foot in an art gallery before, step inside. Let your curiosity guide you. Lose yourself in the stories each piece whispers, in the mysteries waiting to be unraveled. 

Mario Chacon: Echoes of Indigenous Spirits

Muralist Mario Chacon breathes ancestral life into three breathtaking acrylic pieces. His art calls forth the spirits of corn and ceremonial dancers, paying homage to sacred traditions often overshadowed by modernity. Vibrant brushstrokes pulse with energy, urging viewers to reconnect with their indigenous past, to honor the spiritual ties that bind generations.

Jessie Villa: Dali, Desire, and Deception

Jessie Villa’s surreal acrylic work conjures Salvador Dalí’s infamous words: “Have no fear of perfection—you will never reach it.” But why Antonio and Salma? A nod to Hollywood’s fetishization of Latino sensuality? A political statement? Dalí himself appears in the piece, a puppet among puppets. Vela’s art sparks debate—best discussed over wine and cigars.

Jenny Moreno: Youthful Whimsy with a Contemporary Twist

Colombian artist Jenny Moreno ensures her work cannot be ignored. Bursting with intricate details and hypnotic motion, her acrylic pieces evoke the dreamlike nostalgia of adolescence. The soft, romantic hues transport the viewer back to childhood wonder—yet, beneath the whimsy, there is depth, a sophisticated dance between playfulness and reflection.

Martin Luera: The Harmony of Masculine and Feminine

Martin Luera bridges the divide between tradition and modernity. His bold yet harmonious acrylic pieces explore identity through color and balance. Masculinity and femininity intertwine seamlessly, reflecting the duality of culture and self-expression.

Gallerist Patric Stillman and Curator Andy Gonzalez in front of Jannette Delgadillo’s artwork Life, Death, and Rebirth

Delgadillo taps into the rich tradition of calaveras—skulls that symbolize both mortality and renewal. Her mixed-media portraits confront the viewer with melancholic beauty. Eyes, sorrowful yet vibrant, gaze outward. In the center, two calacas embrace, surrounded by blooming flowers—a love story told through acrylic and oil. Are these pieces about relationships? Endings? Transformations? The viewer is left to wonder.

A Gallery That Speaks to the Soul

La Onda Latino is more than an exhibition—it is a conversation between past and present, struggle and celebration, reality and imagination. Each piece in The Studio Door is an echo of something greater, a pulse that refuses to be ignored. Gallerist Patric Stillman has once again opened a portal to something profound, something necessary.

If you crave art that does more than decorate a wall—if you seek art that moves, challenges, questions—this is the place. La Onda Latino is a testament to the beauty, resilience, and complexity of the Latino spirit. Step inside. See for yourself.

La Onda Latino at Studio Door Gallery
Until Sat March 1
3867 Fourth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103
Regular Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday • 11 AM - 6 PM or by appointment  
619-255-2867  forallweknow@thestudiodoor.com

Luz Maria Villanueva is a Clinical Psychologist, Life Coach, Writer, and Speaker. She is the President and Co-founder of Latinas with Purpose, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting writing and art.