Penitente Cross, Carved Wood c. 1937

Editor: This is Majel Claflin's "Penitente Cross, Carved Wood," circa 1937. The textures, the slightly rough hewn quality... It feels very immediate, despite being nearly a century old. What strikes you most about it? Curator: The stark simplicity belies the complex history it represents. These crosses were often used by the Hermanos Penitentes, a lay religious brotherhood known for their acts of penance and devotion, especially within Hispanic communities in the American Southwest. Its materiality, the wood itself, speaks to the harsh landscape and the resourcefulness required to survive and maintain cultural traditions in a marginalized context. How does this intersect with contemporary dialogues about faith, identity, and representation, do you think? Editor: That's a powerful connection! I guess I hadn't thought about it as an act of resistance, almost. Curator: Exactly! Consider also the history of erasure and misrepresentation of such communities. By focusing on this object, Claflin's work invites us to re-evaluate dominant narratives and acknowledge the enduring strength and creativity of these often-overlooked cultural groups. What does the drawing contribute as opposed to viewing the cross in person? Editor: Good point...The drawing maybe adds a layer of distance, but also invites closer looking at the details. Curator: Precisely. We start to ask: Who is the audience for this rendering? And what is the political implication? This cross, through Claflin's artistic mediation, can function as a site for challenging conventional views of American art history. Editor: This makes me realize there is so much more to this image than I originally thought! Thank you. Curator: Indeed. Art can offer valuable insight into cultural narratives, provided we investigate its place within specific social and historical currents.