Week Four Presnetation: Martha Ramirez

I really appreciated the presentation on Martha Ramirez because Pablo, the presenter, included some important details about the artist and her practice. I was moved to know that Ramirez doesn't use the terms "deity" or "god" because they refer to or reinforce Western colonial interpretations of power. Instead, she uses terms like, "force" or "energy". For me, the explanation of such terminology was incredibly moving and poignant because it leads me to wonder how colonized our languages and concepts are. Additionally, this reflection on language demonstrates that Ramirez is not only knowledgeable in indigenous traditions, but that indigenous traditions and sensibilities are central to her art making practice and her ways of understanding the world. Her consciousness as an artist serves not only herself, but also those of us who are working to decolonize our minds and lives.

Pablo also mentioned that Ramirez trained under the famous master muralist, David Alfaro Siqueiros. This information helped me to situate Ramirez in time and frame her education, training, and politics. As for the artworks that we saw, I noted that she has made art in México and the United States. This made an impression on me because I am still considering what it is to be a Chicana artist, and I think land and geography place a role in the construction of identity. Nevertheless, I thought it was a strong presentation and appreciated the material that was covered.