Week 10: Reflection

     Over the last ten weeks in this class, I have gained newfound knowledge and respect for not only Chicana artists, but for Chicana women everywhere. Even though I had heard of the word "Chicana" before this quarter, I never really understood the significance behind the term. I knew it had something to do with having a Mexican-American identity, but that was the full extent of my knowledge. Today, I know that being a Chicana means being someone who proudly recognizes their Mexican background and understands that there are various intertwining systems of oppression that can hold Mexican-Americans back. This class has allowed me to identify myself as a Chicana. As a Chicana, it has become my job to identify and break down these inequalities of gender, race, sex, and class. It has also become my job to bring to light the forgotten and erased histories of women like myself. 
     On that first day of class when we had to list names of artists, I recall how I named mostly male artists and hardly any women. While I had previously taken an AP Art History class in high school, most of the artists we discussed were men. Frankly, I was embarrassed that I did not have knowledge of as many female artists. However, I now realize that this is not entirely my fault. As seen in our textbooks and known in history, White males have been the main ones who are recorded and are the ones who are most remembered. Perhaps I did not write down as many women because I had not been taught of them and their accomplishments growing up in school. Today, I was able to write down 15 names on my own. I am proud to be able to recall these awesome artist's names by heart and to be able to recognize their art. Hopefully after this quarter, I will still continue to strengthen my art appreciation. Also, I have learned that I really love to sketch and draw. I plan to continue this hobby for as long as I can. Not only is it a stress reliever, but it is something that I feel I can get better at with time. Finally, I just want to thank Professor Lopez for introducing me to so many awesome Chicana artists and making class a fun and welcoming place to learn.