Lotty Rosenfeld's Cross Symbol Endures in Chilean Protests, Originating from 1979 Art Action

Lotty Rosenfeld, a Chilean artist and activist who died in July, created a lasting protest symbol through her 1979 work 'A Mile of Crosses on the Pavement.' This intervention transformed road markings into crosses, which were later adopted by the art collective CADA, co-founded in 1979 with poet Raúl Zurita, sociologist Fernando Balcells, novelist Diamela Eltit, and artist Juan Castillo. The symbol evolved into the 'No +' slogan, meaning 'no more,' used widely in recent Chilean protests against inequality and the Pinochet-era constitution. In 1982, Rosenfeld extended her actions to the White House with 'An American Wound' and the Santiago Stock Exchange, linking sites of power. Her final interview in January with curator Alexia Tala, published in 'Calendarios de Arte Contemporáneo – Lotty Rosenfeld,' reflects on the symbol's resurgence during the 2019 social uprising. Rosenfeld's work emerged from her involvement with Espacio Siglo XX and political activism under the dictatorship, influencing groups like Mujeres por la Vida. The symbol continues to appear in protests, such as those in Valparaíso, and remains relevant as Chile prepares for a constitutional referendum in October.