Gloria Zapata, a Bronx-based artist originally from Honduras, is dedicated to celebrating culture, history, and impactful community figures through her vibrant silhouette portraits. Her art features icons like Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Selena, and Frida Kahlo. Starting her focus on silhouettes five years ago, Zapata has expanded her work from smaller canvases to larger public artworks, including a mural of Frida Kahlo at the 138th Street Community Garden, which she created alongside artist Andre Trainer.
Zapata believes in the importance of remembering and honoring her heritage as a Black Latina, stating, “A lot of historic, historic, iconic people have left an imprint.” Her public art serves as a gift back to her neighborhood, infusing it with culture and color. As Hispanic Heritage Month unfolds, she hopes to inspire a new generation by keeping the stories and legacies of these influential figures alive in the Bronx.
For more on her work, visit her website.
