In Santa Barraza’s Torso Series: La Guadalupana with Holy Spirit and Exposed Heart, Barraza blends her personal experience with South Texas spirituality. The heart, a common motif seen in the artist’s work, draws on the loss of her mother, who passed away from a heart attack, and her sister, who underwent open-heart surgery. These instances encouraged Barraza to turn towards faith and feminine strength, featuring figures such as Our Lady of Guadalupe. The work depicts the Holy Spirit represented by a traditional white dove, framed by the Virgin’s typical blue robe, where her usual stars are replaced with Aztec symbols.