The arepa is not just a traditional dish of Venezuelan gastronomy; it is also a cultural symbol that has transcended the kitchen to become a powerful image in art, advertising, and popular culture. Over the years, it has been reinterpreted by artists and designers to represent everything from Venezuelan identity to abstract concepts like the sun.

In this post, we explore how the arepa has been immortalized in art and culture—from the iconic Harina P.A.N. branding to the works of contemporary artists like Oscar Olivares and Edo Ilustrado.

THE ICONOGRAPHY OF HARINA P.A.N.

The History of the Image It is impossible to talk about the arepa without mentioning Harina P.A.N. The brand’s iconic image of the woman with a polka-dot headscarf has been a staple in Venezuelan kitchens since 1960.

Created by graphic designer John Holmes, the image was inspired by the “areperas” of yesteryear—the women who traditionally prepared arepas at home. This packaging has remained almost unchanged for over 60 years and has become a global symbol of Venezuelan identity.

Cultural Impact The Harina P.A.N. lady has moved beyond commercial use to become a cultural icon. You can find her in murals, graffiti, and even high fashion. A few years ago, Venezuelan designer Douglas Tapia won first place at the Metropolitan Fashion Week in Los Angeles with a pop-art-inspired gown based on the 1960s Harina P.A.N. look.ciones de venezolanos, y su reconocimiento inmediato en cualquier parte del mundo donde haya un venezolano es testimonio de su poder simbólico.

EDO ILUSTRADO AND “AREPA MUNDI”

Eduardo Sanabria, known as Edo Ilustrado, is a reference in contemporary Venezuelan art. His project “Arepa Mundi: mass culture” turns the arepa into a pop art icon.

Memory and Pride: For Edo, this is an exercise in collective memory, inviting the world to recognize the arepa as a global cultural icon, similar to pizza or tacos. consolide como un ícono cultural global, representando la identidad y el orgullo de su país.

The Arepa as Pop Icon: Inspired by Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup cans, Edo treats the arepa as a democratic and popular product.

A Gallery of Flavors: He represented 20 of the most popular fillings (like Reina Pepiada and Pabellón) in the form of cans, emulating Warhol’s style.

OSCAR OLIVARES: THE SUN AS AN AREPA

Oscar Olivares is a young artist famous for his massive eco-murals and symbolic use of Venezuelan elements.

• The Sun-Arepa: One of his most recurring symbols is the sun, depicted as a golden arepa. To Olivares, the arepa is as fundamental to Venezuelan life as the sun is to the planet.
• Symbol of Hope: His “Arepa – Pop Art” works use the arepa as a source of light and energy, showing that despite challenges, Venezuelan culture remains vibrant and strong.

THE AREPA EMOJI: A DIGITAL TRIUMPH

Sebastian Delmont, a Venezuelan programmer, was a key figure in the creation of the arepa emoji.

Design Perfection: After several design tweaks by Lumen Bigott to ensure it wouldn’t be confused with a moon emoji, it was approved by the Unicode Consortium. Today, it is a digital symbol of pride for all of Latin America.de Twitter @arepaemoji, donde actualiza a la comunidad sobre el uso del icono.

The Road to Unicode: Through the community Emojination, Delmont pushed for an inclusive emoji that represented not just the arepa, but its cousins like the pupusa and tortilla.

THE AREPA IS ART

Whether in murals in Caracas, digital icons on our phones, or graphic designs on t-shirts for the diaspora, the arepa is a powerful symbol of belonging. It has evolved from a humble meal into a global icon that continues to shape Venezuelan identity.

YOUR FAVORITE ART PIECE: THE PANNA AREPA

Did learning about the cultural richness of the arepa work up your appetite? Come to any of our PANNA New Food Latino locations in Doral, Weston, or Orlando. We put the same level of “art” into our cooking that these artists put into their work.

Try our traditional arepas and see for yourself. We are waiting to celebrate this cultural icon with you!