NEW! “Essential Isidro ©2021
hand carved and painted wood
SOLD 17.5”x11.5”x11” $7500
“Essential Isidro”
San Isidro is widely venerated as the patron saint of farmers, peasants, day laborers and agriculture in general. “Essential Isidro” pays tribute to all the essential migrant farm workers who selflessly worked to keep food on our tables during the pandemic and every day. Immigrant farmworkers make up an estimated 73% of agriculture in the United States, they work extremely long hours harvesting crops in all types of weather while risking injury and illness from farm equipment to exposure to pesticides. During the pandemic, this work only picked up as farmers and ranchers were deemed essential to ensure the United States food supply chain wouldn’t collapse. Even though going to work meant significant risks to their health, laborers showed up each day to support their families and sustain our food supply. The irony of being deemed essential and illegal at the same time and still showing up to do the work while living in fear of being deported. Sprouting from “San Isidro’s” hands is a plant symbolizing hope of new life and brighter future.
- Arthur Lopez
