“My piece Angelitos was originally commissioned by Mujerista Market. When I was first thrown the idea of brown angels I was so excited to create exactly that. I took creative control to bring these two sitting babies to my world in the clouds.

Taking inspiration from Emile Munier’s Putto’s Kiss, I painted these two cherubs embracing, one kissing the others’ cheek gently. I wanted to capture innocence, lovingness, gentleness, all things indigenous children are not awarded the portrayal of.

Growing up I rarely ever saw representation in art, something that stuck with me as a child. Artistry seemed unattainable because the talent of Women of Color was never celebrated, specifically indigenous women artists. This seemed a predominately white and male space, from the subjects to the artists themselves. I took to loving cherubs for their serenity, examining paintings of white, winged babies since I was a child.

When painting these two brown angels, it felt healing. I painted something for other brown people to see their inner child. I wanted to make sure they [the angels] exuded nothing but comfort, relaxation, serenity, and love.”

—Lili Navarro