"La Princesa de La Luna" | The Story Behind It
La Princesa de La Luna
40” x 60” | Mixed Media on Canvas | 2025 | By Jes Lilly
Bellevue Art Museum | Rebel Beauties 2 Exhibition March 15th - April 26th 2025 | Curated by Elevate PR & Sponsored by the BelRed Arts District
"La Princesa de La Luna," AKA The Princess of "La Luna", meaning "The Princess of the Moon" in English, is a deeply personal continuation of my artistic narrative. This piece serves as a counterpart to my previous painting, La Vida de La Flor De Maga, which depicted me during my pregnancy with my daughter. Now, as she steps into young womanhood, La Princesa de La Luna honors her journey and celebrates her coming of age in her quinceañera dress.
The galactic-inspired background, painted in acrylics, mirrors the cosmic vastness seen in the previous piece. It symbolizes the mysteries of the universe and the endless possibilities that await her. Encasing the work is a radiant 24K gold leaf border, representing the preciousness of this milestone.
At the center, my daughter is painted in oils, capturing her youthful beauty and the quiet strength she carries. The use of oil paint brings a striking depth and presence to her figure. She gazes upward towards the moon, her expression filled with wonder and reflection. In her hands, she holds her crown — a symbol of her emerging womanhood and the grace with which she embraces this transition.
Her shimmering silver dress, adorned with delicate shards of shattered glass, catches the light, reflecting a luminous sparkle under the moon's glow. The glass fragments dance like stars, echoing the celestial theme and emphasizing her radiance. Every sparkle serves as a reminder of the resilience and brilliance within her.
The moon, ever-present and glowing, holds significant meaning in Boricua and Taíno culture. It symbolizes protection, femininity, and the cyclical nature of life. Just as the moon illuminates the night sky, it serves as a guiding force, watching over her as she embarks on this new chapter. In this celebration of her growth, the painting also honors our ancestral connection to the moon — a symbol of strength, renewal, and the divine feminine.
La Princesa de la Luna is more than a portrait; it is a tribute to my daughter’s evolving spirit, a reflection of our bond, and a celebration of her heritage. Through this piece, I honor her radiant presence and the light she carries within her — a light that will continue to shine brightly, just like the moon.