ARTIST STATEMENT
Misrepresented and shunned for centuries, Mary Magdalene claims her rightful place as a respected feminist role model. In this work, I celebrate her to inspire those spurned by society, as well as those who challenge patriarchal norms in order to achieve gender equality.
My series, Santos y Milagros (Saints & Miracles) | The Light Within the Darkness Series, is the culmination of over a decade of work. This collection explores social issues affecting the most vulnerable among us. Through the lives of the saints, I address contemporary concerns and share the stories of these heroic women.
Each piece is layered with meaning beyond the obvious—every item and image carries its own history, and together, they form a larger narrative that transcends the physical. With these images, I seek to inspire awareness, protection and positive change in our world. Saint Mary Magdalene is the most recent saint from my series.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Laurie Buman is a Chicago-based artist known for her distinctive mixed-media work, which seamlessly blends digital technology with traditional mediums such as pastel, acrylic, wax, gold leaf, and photography. Her art is deeply rooted in a personal exploration of the sacred and divine, often drawing inspiration from the indigenous cultures and rituals of Mexico.
Buman’s approach is one of layered storytelling, where every component and image has its own unique history. By purposefully combining these elements, she creates compositions that transcend the physical and touches the spiritual.
Her body of work serves as a means of bringing light into the darkness and the selfless legacy of Saints. Through her art, Buman reflects on social issues affecting society’s most vulnerable among us, offering a contemplative and reverent perspective on the world around her.
© Laurie Buman