I enjoyed all of the presentations on the muralists from last week, and everyone did a fantastic job presenting! The presentation on Ruby Chacon stood out to me as I really enjoyed her art style, and found her biography to be unique in the ways in which it clearly permeates through her art. I thought that it was interesting how her identities as both a Chicana and a Utah native influence her work, but are also in conflict with one another in her daily life and lived experiences. It was also notable that her struggles with her Mexican identity stemmed from her family, and the lack of exposure they gave her to her Mexican roots.
However, it was inspiring to see how she embraces her culture in her work, and combines her two identities to create what she calls her being a “Utana”. Her efforts to publicly display Chicana art despite some resistance from her community, and her goal of bringing back traditional Utah art was very inspiring. Her use of family members as a tool that all members of the public could relate to makes her art a deeply personal experience. I also admired that she emphasizes the importance of free public art because she understands the struggle of viewing art in traditional spaces when you grow up less privileged. This allows her work to reach its largest audience, and have the most potential to share art and influence young chicanx individuals. Her experience being a first generation student in higher education inspired her to advocate for kids like her to understand that they belong in these spaces and should pursue them. I also enjoyed how she incorporates the ideas of spiritual activism, a newer term for me, and immigrant spirits into her work!
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