This is the blog for the UCLA Chicanx Latinx Art and Artists course offered by the Cesar E. Chavez Department of Chicanx Central American Studies (CCAS M175, also Art M184 and World Arts and Cultures M128). This course provides a historical and contemporary overview of Chicanx Latinx art production with an emphasis on painting, photography, prints, murals and activist art.
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Kim Bjanes
I was very interested in Kim Bjanes' approach to art. It is unusual for an artist to focus on apparel in the way she does, and I think that reflects her interest in spreading her message outside the gallery or museum space and into the world. On T-shirs, her art can take on lives of its own in many different contexts, presenting variations of its central message depending on who wears it. It's inspiring that Bjanes used negativity she experiencing growing up regarding her hair and ethnicity to create art that could empower other brown women with curly hair, and that she paid special attention to her own privilege as a light skinned Latina and how she could lift up those with darker skin. Bjanes' work says a lot about the value of democratizing one's artistic practice in a way that is accessible to those who do not regularly visit galleries or museums, and how social media can be a powerful tool to spread political messages. The image above is one of Bjanes' shirts, which conveys the messages that brown women are badass and beautiful.
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Hi Madeleine! I completely agree! It was very fascinating to see this art in form of of apparel. I also did my reflection on Bjanes! I think her take on expressing positive and inspiring messages through art is amazing. I really enjoyed your reflection because I related to your response. Accessibility to this art form is a beneficial for many because it allows more people to be able to purchase it. Great reflection ! Thank you!
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