Carmen Linares-Kalo (Week 9)

 

For week 9’s blog post, I decided to write about Helena Alcala’s presentation on Carmen Linares-Kalo. Everyone’s presentation was great, it has been great learning more about chicana artists. Many of these I did not know before. The representation of chicanas in art is beautiful, especially because they all have their unique ways of expressing their creativity. Out of all the presentations, I really enjoyed Helena’s and enjoyed witnessing the three images selected by Helena because of their meaning. I learned that Carmen is a muralist and has been one for a significant amount of time. She has had many popular artworks but one of her most relevant ones was the mural located on the pillars of an underpass. During the presentation, Helena informed us that these murals (the three she selected) were planned for about 26 years and it took about two weeks to complete. These murals incorporate Chicanx culture and also include Civil Rights leaders. The second mural honors the Kumeyaay people who are indigineous to San Diego, since that is where the mural is located. The detail in these three murals is amazing. It is clear that these took a lot of time and dedication. Carmen uses a lot of different colors to represent different moods, tones, etc. The first image contains a lot of things that may seem random and might seem like they don’t belong together; however, they all contribute to the story. In this mural, we learn that the animals all represent humans and they are all gathered around the blue heart which represents the creator. Overall I really enjoyed learning about Carmen’s art and her background. I had heard of her name before the presentation but I did not know much about her artwork. If I ever go to San Diego, I will definitely check these murals.

Ruby Chacón (Week 8)

For week 8’s blog post, I decided to write about Lilibeth Chavez’s presentation on Ruby Chacón. I enjoyed all the presentations but this artist stood out to me the most, especially because of the images that Lilibeth chose. Lilibeth did a great job at informing us more about her artist. I enjoyed learning more about Ruby’s artwork and her motivations for creating art. I love that Ruby embraces her chicana culture and acknowledges all aspects of her culture. It is so beautiful how Ruby uses her personal journey and experiences to create her artwork. I learned that Ruby is really big on family and I relate to that because I also am big on family. Family is supposed to always be there for you, although sometimes that is not the case. Through the three images that Lilibeth chose, I was able to actually witness some of her life experiences of Ruby. The image of her abuelo was so beautiful, not just because of the colors but because it reminded me of my abuelo. I haven’t seen him in about 5 years and for some reason this photo reminded me of him. The first image is also beautiful as it is very detailed and colorful. The subtle illustration of the Virgen de Guadalupe caught my eye. There is so much going on in this image and it all connects to Ruby’s cultural identity. This image reminded me of my culture as well since I am Chicano. The Virgen de Guadalupe has always been a prominent symbol in my household. Also, there are many of my family members that work in the fields just like the people in this Mural. To me, it shows how hard working Hispanic people are, there are even kids helping. It shows that as a family, we all help each other succeed.

Godinez, Jordin (Week7)

 I really enjoyed reading Claudia Zapata’s essay. The topic was interesting because it was connecting the advancement of technology in today’s times with Chicanx art. With new technology, Chicanx artists are now allowed to showcase their art in other ways other than on physical paper. Digital art has allowed chicanx artists to take their art to a whole new level. It becomes more accessible because it can be viewed on a smartphone or laptop screen, which is great for art relating to activism. One point that stood out to me was when Caludia said that digital art is not going to replace printed art, in fact, printed art will still remain relevant. Digital art opens new opportunities for chicanx artists but that does not mean that chicanx artists will not continue to showcase their art through non-digital mediums. Murals and printed art are very special, in my opinion, and they should still remain relevant. From what I’ve seen, technology has allowed artists to get more exposure which helps their art to be seen by a larger audience. With new social media platforms, more artists are able to share their work with friends and family, but also with strangers who could potentially become interested in their art and could help share it with others. Claudia also mentions that chicanx artists have incorporated AR and VR to their artistic practices, which is awesome! For example, some people do not have access to art museums where they can view the physical art; however, with VR, they can watch museum tours which will almost feel like they are actually there. Chicanx artists are allowed to explore new possibilities of creating art with technology. I appreciate all forms of art regardless of where and how it is created; however, it makes it more meaningful when art is done without technology.

Godinez, Jordin (Week 5, Wiki Draft)

 Marion C. Martinez (? - present) is a Chicana visual artist that is known for incorporating technology to her artwork. She reuses computer hardware, like the computer circuit board and wires to create her art. Her goal is to capture the images and symbols of her culture and her environment that have shaped her into the person she is today.

 

Biography (or Early Life and Education)

Martinez was born in Española, North of Santa Fe, New Mexico and was raised in Los Luceros. In the 1980s, Marion began to experiment with technological discards. Before she started making the artwork she makes now, she started off by just making jewelry. Aside from creating her artwork, Marion also gives presentations to young people and art professionals.   

Art (or Notable Works or Selected Works. Also Exhibitions, Projects, Collections)

• Virgen de Guadalupe Wall Hanging

• Corazon de Guadalupe Wall Hanging 

• Jesús Con Su Cruz Wall Hanging 

 

References

1. ^ Chapter 18 Deus ex Machina: Tradition, Technology, and the Chicanafuturist Art of Marion C. Martinez from Chicano and Chicana Art A Critical Anthology by Jennifer A Gonzalez Ondine Chavoya Chon Noriega Terezita Romo 

2. ^ Afrofuturism/Chicanafuturism Fictive Kin

Catherine S. Ramírez 

3. ^ Reworking the Spanish Colonial Paradigm: Mestizaje and Spirituality in Contemporary New Mexican Art

Stephanie Lewthwaite

External links

• Martinez’s Website: http://www.marionmartinez.com

Godinez, Jordin (Week 5)

As I read Garza’s book, I was able to recall a lot of memories from my childhood. One of the images that stood out to me the most was (Figure 59) Barbacoa para Cumpleaños. This image hit close to home because I grew up going to parties like these. Mexican parties are always filled with lots of family, love, food, and music. The piñata in the image made me smile because I vividly remember being so excited when it was my turn to hit the piñata and I remember the little chant we would recite: “Dale, dale, dale, no pierdas el tino….”. Most of the time someone in my family would go on the roof of the house and hold the string that we attached the piñata to. My family does not incorporate el papel picado (like they did in the image); however, I have seen that it is incorporated into Mexican culture. 

In the image, we can see how important family is in Mexican culture. Gathering around at someone’s house to celebrate someone’s birthday is big in our culture. It is a time to catch up with family, enjoy some delicious food, and dance to some good music. Not to be biased, but Mexicans can throw some really good parties. 

A prominent memory this image unlocks is related to the cake. In Mexican culture, we typically push the person being celebrated into the cake, only their face of course. It can either lead to the person crying or laughing. To some, it might seem mean, but it has just become part of our culture. Although we cannot really tell what cake is in the image, tres leche cake is usually what you can find at one of these parties or una gelatina. Overall, this image makes my heart happy. I will always enjoy a party with family.

Godinez, Jordin (Rasquachismo)

    Before reading this prompt I was not aware of the term “Rasquachismo” which is essentially “making the most from the least”. This is very common for low-income families because they do not have the financial means to avoid being resourceful. Although I was not aware of this term before, this term applies to my family and I. I grew up in a low-income household; however, that does not stop us from taking advantage of the little resources we have. My mom makes sure that we make the most out of everything we buy. For example, when my mom buys the Mole sauce that comes in a glass cup, after using it, she washes the glass cup and reuses it as a beverage cup. All the plastic bags that we get from the grocery store we reuse for trash bags or to store food containers that we give to family members after parties. She also uses the oven (when it’s not in use) to store pans, pots, etc.. I grew up thinking these types of things were normal and that everyone did this but then when I started college, I realized that not everyone did this and made me think that mainly low-income families do this. I eventually began to do the same with things I would buy on my own. For example, when I buy new shoes, I reuse the shoe boxes to store small items. There are times where you think there will be cookies in the cookie container but turns out your grandma is using the container to store her sewing supplies. I think as a kid I would have been embarrassed if people found out that my family and I did this but now I do not care because it’s being resourceful. You save money by making the most out of the least.

Godinez, Jordin (Abstracts for Marion C. Martinez)

 1. LEWTHWAITE, STEPHANIE. “Reworking the Spanish Colonial Paradigm: Mestizaje and Spirituality in Contemporary New Mexican Art.” Journal of American Studies, vol. 47, no. 2, May 2013, pp. 339–2362. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1017/S002187581300011X.

In this Journal, Stephanie introduces Marion’s notion of “Mixed-Tech Media” and how she recycles computer parts to create her religious artwork. According to Stephanie, Martinez views computer parts as more than that and admires their beauty which inspired her to make art out of them. She also claims that Martinez aside from being able to make artwork with technology, she is also establishing symbols of hybrid spirituality.

2. 

2. Ramírez, Catherine S. “Deus Ex Machina: Tradition, Technology, and the Chicanafuturist Art of Marion C. Martinez.” AZTLÁN, vol. 29, no. 2, Sept. 2004, pp. 55–92. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=chd&AN=XCHD69140&site=ehost-live.

In this chapter of the book, the reader learns about Marion C. Martinez’s art through the use of computer hardware. Martinez’s unique way of creating art caught the eyes of many and created an impact in the world of art. The use of technology to create art related to her culture and religion expands the topic on chicanafuturism.

3. Ramírez, Catherine S. “Afrofuturism/Chicanafuturism: Fictive Kin.” AZTLÁN, vol. 33, no. 1, Mar. 2008, pp. 185–194. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=chd&AN=XCHD69322&site=ehost-live.

In this Essay, Catherine Ramirez acknowledges the artwork of Marion C. Martinez that she first saw at the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe. According to Ramirez, the work of Marion has united high-tech and rasquache and has expanded on the notion of chicanafuturism. She also claims that it has changed the notions of many elements of life such as identity, technology, and the future.

Godinez, Jordin (Week 3)

 Growing up in a Mexican household with parents who were somewhat catholics, made me aware of the image of La Virgen de Guadalupe. When I was a kid, I noticed that a lot of my family members, including my parents, had some representation of the Virgen de Guadalupe. They either had mini statues, necklaces, cuadros, or candles of the Virgen de Guadalupe. I never knew what it meant or why my family had her in their houses. I remember my grandma would say things like “rézale a la Virgensita de Guadalupe…”. 

I recall going to classes for my first communion but if I’m being honest, I did not pay much attention. I do not associate myself with catholicism or with any other religion; however, my parents would make me go to those classes as a kid. I know La Virgen de Guadalupe was brought up many times, one time we had a celebration outside of the church and many people gathered around a big painting of her. I could tell that she was an important figure for these people. 

Aside from being a huge part of catholicism, it has become a symbol for Mexican identity. I noticed this within my family. Many of my family members are not super religious and do not necessarily go to church but they still have symbols of her in their homes. In today’s times, I have noticed that she is a symbolism for many distinct things and everyone interprets her differently. As for me, I do not necessarily have a personal connection with her but my culture does and I totally respect that and am willing to learn more about her.

Marion Martinez C.

 1. Pocha Peña 

2. Alessandra Moctezuma 

Godinez, Jordin

Hello everyone my name is Jordin Godinez and I am a third year Applied Math major. My preferred name is Jordin and my pronouns are he/him/his. I am at a point in my life where I don't know what I want to do exactly in the future; however, I know that my ultimate goal is to help people. Although I am not sure about this, I am considering teaching because I would like to be a resource for students in low-income communities. I grew up in a low-income community and I know communities like these do not always have access to good resources including access to good teachers. As a result, if I do end up teaching, I would love to be a great math teacher and also be there for students as a person they can look up to and receive advice from. Helping people and making people happy is rewarding to me.

I grew up in a very Mexican household. My parents were born and raised in Jalisco, Mexico up until the end of their teen years and I was born and raised in the United States. Growing up and learning about my culture is one of the many things I am grateful for. 

During my second year, I took an art GE class where I was able to learn more about art through different mediums. That class opened my eyes to art. I am taking this class because I want to explore artwork through the perspective of Chicanx/Latinx artists and maybe even learn more about my own culture along the way. So far the readings have been interesting. There is so much meaning and purpose that these artists put into their artwork; however, it is sad to see that Chicana artwork has not always been highlighted as much as chicano art.