2024, Acrylic on Canvas, 18 x 24 inches
Albert Navarro’s Still Life from Below is a richly symbolic and emotionally charged work that reimagines the still life through a deeply personal lens. Painted from the imagined perspective of a child looking upward, the composition becomes a shrine-like tribute to maternal or feminine energy—whether embodied by a mother, grandmother, or ancestral spirit.
Central to the piece is a gold cherub candle, a glowing symbol of protection and innocence, perched above a draped floral shawl that evokes warmth, strength, and tradition. A candle of La Virgen de Guadalupe anchors the composition with spiritual gravity, while a bottle of Florida Water—used in many spiritual traditions for manifestation and good fortune—adds a layer of ritual and intention. Against a backdrop of bold crimson, these everyday sacred objects take on a dreamlike and reverent quality.
Navarro’s first still life, this painting resists convention by prioritizing emotion and cultural memory over formal study. The result is a deeply intimate tableau that speaks to devotion, identity, and the way we preserve the power of those who came before us.
The first still life - original painting
50% of all proceeds from this print will be collected and donated to CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights) to support immigrant communities and the fight for justice and dignity. Sales will be tracked over a one-month period, and the full donation will be made on July 15, 2025.
