Gamma Gunslinger

Yessíca Torres is a first-generation Salvadoran-American artist whose work intertwines her Latin heritage, love of cinema, and cultural commentary.

Working under the moniker La Dama, she creates bold, high-impact paintings that explore themes of identity, assimilation, and societal dynamics, drawing influence from Pop Art, film, and contemporary political climates.

A true cinephile from childhood, Torres grew up captivated by the visual storytelling of her favorite directors, a passion that continues to inform the cinematic intensity and layered narratives within her work. Her artistic roots in screen printing shaped her graphic precision, yet each painting is executed through a fully analog process done entirely by hand, with no stencils or digital applications. This meticulous approach underscores both her perfectionism and her commitment to preserving the tactile essence of painting.

Torres spent 15 years in Los Angeles expanding her art education, refining her practice, and building a dedicated following. Her work has been exhibited in prestigious galleries and events across the United States including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, Miami, and New York and internationally in Toronto, Canada. Her pieces are held in private collections throughout North America, Mexico, and Germany, establishing her reputation as a contemporary artist with a distinctive visual voice.

In addition to her studio practice, Torres is the founder and director of Dama Gallery, where she has championed contemporary artists and curated nearly 300 exhibitions since 2011. While the gallery celebrates the vision of others, her personal art continues to thrive independently, maintaining a unique and un compromised creative identity.

Dama Gallery is excited to present the Fine Art Exhibition component of the Art + Ale Winter Art Fair, taking place on December 6, 2025, from 3–9 PM at our Ventura location. Returning for another season, the gallery will showcase a curated selection of artwork brought in specifically for the fair.

This season’s exhibition features an impressive array of contemporary work across multiple mediums, including painting, photography, fiber art, sculpture, and more. Each piece has been selected for its originality, technical skill, and the distinct vision of the artist, making this a rare opportunity for visitors to experience and collect works that are being exhibited for the very first time in the gallery.

The Fine Art Exhibition offers a dynamic environment where attendees can explore the creativity of emerging and established artists, encounter diverse perspectives, and engage directly with the artwork. From bold, high-impact paintings to intricate sculptural forms and visually striking photographs, the collection highlights the breadth and vibrancy of the local and regional art scene.

Dama Gallery’s presentation of this curated exhibition underscores the gallery’s dedication to supporting artists and fostering direct connections between creators and collectors. The Fine Art Exhibition transforms the gallery into a lively, immersive space that celebrates craftsmanship, imagination, and artistic innovation.

In addition to celebrating art, this season’s Art + Ale Winter Art Fair partners with the nonprofit City Impact, ensuring that the event also supports the community. The fair’s combination of curated artwork, craft beer, and social engagement exemplifies its broader mission: to create meaningful connections through art, culture, and local collaboration.