Queen of the Rodeo
Bella Ybarra

Queen of the Rodeo relays images of an emasculated Wild West, of queer cowboys, and of pink ponies. Hues of pink sunsets and saddles work to combat typical Latin machismo, a theme common among Latin households and families. These paintings explore gender identity and work to unravel the tension between gender fluidity and the Latin demographic. With a diasporic background, at times Ybarra feels disconnected from their Chicano culture. The presented work is a bridge to uplift their culture and to wander throughout the fields of imagery attached to their heritage.

About the Artist

Bella Ybarra lives and works between New Jersey and New York City. They received their BFA with honors at School of Visual Arts in 2023. They were awarded Artist in Residence at Leipzig International Art Programme (2024). Bella’s exhibitions include ‘Seeing Double’ by Archiv Massiv (2024), ‘Pain and Pleasure’ by Supply Project (2023), ‘Do You Know What I Mean?’ by SVA Flatiron Gallery (2023), and ‘The Patriot’ by O’Flaherty’s (2022). Bella also curated the group show ‘Thank Your Lucky Stars’ at Chashama Gallery (2023). Bella runs their own freelance print-making business – Isa Ybarra Art, as well as releasing their own skating zine once a year- ‘Gnar Rolling.’ Additionally, they curate and organize community-related events for roller-skating and the arts- Last Try Quad Series, the Quad Classic, and Brooklyn Quad Competition.

For more information about Bella follow them on Instagram.