Altared states

In addition to being a painter, a poet, a dancer and a filmmaker, Andrea Porras is an altar-maker. She creates altars dedicated to loved ones, altars dedicated to a cause or altars that signify a special event. In the past, she’s done altars of Frida Kahlo, deity altars and an altar in memory of Cesar Chavez, whom she spent two years working with before his death. She also makes altars for the Day of the Dead. This year she made an altar dedicated to her grandmother, “Pepa,” which is on display at La Raza Galeria Posada at 7th and O streets until November 10.

In her art, she likes to incorporate ancient and urban concepts. “Many of the indigenous ideas have been suppressed or put away,” she says. “I try to bring that back out in some of my work.”