TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – A Latina will exhibit photography at the Swope Art Museum for the first time ever.
Alexandra McNichols-Torroledo will hold this honor as the exhibit opened at the Swope.
The Colombian born photographer and Indiana State University graduate is showcasing her ESX/Coca exhibit at the museum. The photographs will focus on the Coca plant.
Over the years, McNichols-Torroledo said that the narrative around the Coca plant has become negative. It’s often viewed and confused with the drug Cocaine. Especially with the war over cocaine in Colombia and other South American countries.
However, for many indigenous groups, the Coca plant is view as sacred. She wants to preserve this idea in her photography.
McNichols-Torroledo said that she wants to end this misconception about the Coca plant.
“We need to educate ourselves that this is beneficial for the body and is very different to cocaine,” McNichols-Torroledo said. “We are here to support legalization of a sacred plant that is so important.
