Hellen Lopez - Week 10

    First, I am thrilled that I learned about new artists in this course, specifically Chicanx women. During this quarter, the artist Yolanda M. Lopez was someone I came to discover. Besides her artwork being astonishing, I found her reasonings and explanations to be very interesting. For example, one significant thing I remember from her was how her art displayed ordinary people doing ordinary things. Most of her art depicted her personal life or herself as the central part. Her art has been very significant to the Chicanx community as she uses themes that many people can connect to. For instance, she is also known for using La Virgin de Guadalupe in ways many people are not used to. Lopez's use of La Virgin de Guadalupe captured herself or people like her mother in that similar portrayal as a form of respect and honor though many might not have seen that image like that. Though some people may not like that type of art that connects others to La Virgin, I do feel that it is not meant to be disrespectful. Creating images that capture brown female faces also made me feel connected to this. Seeing myself or people like me in artistic spaces has never been common around art I have been introduced by at school or museums nearby. However, like others we have learned about Lopez's art in this course, it has represented people like me.

    Nevertheless, I was also positively shocked by how notable Lopez is to the Chicanx community as an artist and leader. Often times in artistic worlds, the Chicanx community is not represented in spaces where privileged people are, and we are looked down upon. Given this information of Lopez, she serves to illustrate her community and be one of the front faces of artistic success.

Hellen Lopez - Week 9

    This past week the presentation that stood out to me most was from Hector Diaz on Martha Ramierez - Oropeza. Though all the other presentations were excellent, this one demonstrated a different type of art. First, Hector's comment about Oropeza's past was unfortunate but not shocking given the environment that many Chicanx people experienced. He stated how there was an incident where Oropeza had her mouth washed with soap for speaking Spanish. I heard of not being allowed to speak Spanish at schools but going to these extremes can be very traumatic.

     Additionally, Oropeza is a public artist and muralist who studied in Mexico after high school and worked with other significant artists. She looked in Morelos, Mexico, for the vault culture, which was a type of art. She also worked as a teacher in an elementary school. Oropeza is also now a professor at UCLA and has a residence with sparks that displays her artwork. Given this background, she became more interesting to me since I could relate to her. 

    One image that Hector introduced during his presentation was Mother Earth 2004. This image depicted a woman blowing to plants like images. Oropeza a lot of women figures in her art. I also remember Hector telling us that one of Oropeza's purposes was to represent people who came before us, clearly depicted in this image. Though there was not a lot in this image, it let us know how powerful women are. Since here, women are represented as givers of life to not only people but also the earth. Oropeza shows how important women are. Another essential fact that Hector stated was how Oropeza's art was a form of escape for her from reality. However, this image does the opposite. It discusses the importance of women on this planet and everything they do. Lastly, I am delighted to learn about new artists through these presentations.

Hellen Lopez - Week 8

    One presentation that caught my eye was Lilibeth Chavez’s on Ruby Chacon. The presentation was comprehensive and descriptive about her public art, which is primarily muralists. I felt very connected to Chacon’s art and background. Chacon comes from Salt Lake City, which is very big, yet she often felt like her identity was concealed. Lilibeth stated how her family would hide her Mexican identity, which I had felt within my household when I was younger. Lilibeth also indicated how Chacon would sleep in her living room because her house was too small. Additionally, that was another thing that I related to since I spent most of my life growing up. She also comes from a family of artists like her uncle, which is similar to mine. Given all this information, it made me feel connected to Chacon personally since we have similar backgrounds. 

    As the presentation when on, Lilibeth discussed Chacon’s artwork displayed internationally, like in Morocco. The first image provided by Lilibeth showed two sides to a group of people working in a farm-like space. The image also includes the same traditional Utah landscaped, which Lilibeth indicated in her presentation. The images demonstrate these people who are likely Mexican working but also being in a family environment. This image gave me a positive response as it displayed parts to the people who are working hard but still appeal to the concept of family. On the left side, the people seem more united and happier, as, for the other, they seem more robotic working. This image suggests issues that affect this specific working class in the U.S but specifically in the Utah area. This mural illustrates the Mexican identity in the U.S, and making it public gives it more depth. I was amazed by Chacon’s work and glad I got to discover a new artist.

Hellen Lopez - Week 7

    While reading Claudia Zapata's essay, The Rise and Impact of Chicano Graphics, 1965 to Now, she provides a very informative background of the artists and their significance to Chicanx people were. This digital revolution allowed Chicanx artists to share their work differently, which made their presence in more communities. In addition, these types of graphics allowed these artists to have work portrayed in popular places like Times Square in New York. There are different ways that Zapata indicates Chicanx artists used this type of art by being "incorporated into new media art, digital art, net art, post-internet art, virtual art, cyber art, computer art, and other technologically adjacent artistic genres" (131). All these types of art formats made Chicanx art more diverse. 

    This new way of art paved the way for movements that promoted Chicanx community causes for empowerment and justice. For example, a digital post that featured the "support of Emma González, a student who became a gun control activist after surviving the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High-School" in 2018 (145). The image includes González's face with hashtags that support gun control and protection for children. Here, in Zapata's image description, she indicates how influential these types of works can be since it illustrates how it was shared over 21,000 times through Facebook alone. Though this is not just a Chicanx issue since other groups were affected, it still demonstrates how this work was impactful after depicting Emma's face. Zapata includes this type of work in her essay; Chicanx art and individuals are essential. She honors the Chicanx community and gives credit for their use of this specific artwork. This type of artwork began almost 60 years ago also demonstrates the persistence and overall impact these artists have had on different issues and groups over a long period. 

Lopez Hellen, Week 6

    While visiting Xandra Ibarra’s website, one work that captured my attention was the Training for Exhaustion (For The Intelligible) performance in 2015. This art piece included 16 people on a job with an instructor and hypnotist. The first image depicts the joggers running with their faces covered, while the other photos mimic running stances. The people seem in very robotic forms that illustrate the theme of these photos taken by Ibarra. There are so many concepts that this artwork demonstrates, which is why it fascinated me. Also, being compared to insects, cockroaches bring these ideas into a different perspective. These people running together might also display and connect to the Chicanx community since they are a large group. Yet these are the same people like cockroaches who are not considered intelligent and have been here forever. 

    However, like cockroaches, the Chicanx community is very astute as they have fought to stay alive despite the constant discrimination or hate against them. For example, one was how fatigue, as the website indicates, plays a vital role on the joggers given that they are following and covering their faces. Though it does not mean the length of time they had to run for, fatigue can still be present. Another instance the website states is durability. For joggers, durability is essential, and it is a characteristic that most Chicanx or Mexican immigrants have. Many Chocanx or Mexican immigrants are forced to work jobs that most Americans will not do since they seem to be more difficult with little pay. Ibarra’s artwork is very representative of the Chicanx and Mexican immigrant community. This type of performance is unique to come up with. One question that I want to ask Ibarra is how this idea came to mind and where the runners came from for this project. 

Hellen Lopez (Wikipedia Draft - Grace Barraza-Vega)

Grace Barraza - Vega (1955 – present) is a painter known for her Chicanx themes. In 2010, Vega's art, "El Vato Louie," was selected from over 5oo pieces for the "New Art Nuevo" by the University of Texas-San Antonio. Though she lives in Texas, most of her work has been displayed in the Los Angeles area.

Biography (or Early Life and Education)

Grace Barraza Vega was born on February 3, 1955) in Gomez Palacio, Mexico. She is now based in Corpus Christi, Texas. Vega was also an art teacher at Gregory-Portland High in Portland, Texas, for 17 years, where she became involved with her students' artwork. She is also an Administrative Secretary at the University of Texas, Brownsville.  

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

·     Sangre y Herencia (2010)

-     Las Hembras, Chimmaya Art Gallery, LA (2011)

-     Frida Kahlo exhibition, Olvera Steet, LA (2013)

·     The Stamp Project

·     Mujeres de Maiz

-     De Colores Art Show - Santa Paula Art Museum (2014)

-     Frida Collective Exhibition - East Los Angeles ChimMaya Art Gallery (2010) 

References

1.    ^ [citation to a reliable source, print or e, goes here]

2.    ^ http://brownsvilleart.blogspot.com/2010/

3.    ^ http://chimmayaart.com/2011/08/las-hembras/

4.    ^ https://patch.com/california/highlandpark-ca/opening-recption-frida-kahlo-exhibit

5.    ^ https://prayersfromla.org/press/StampProject_Avenue50Catalog.pdf

6.    ^  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QusO3QX-d98

7.    ^  http://amigos805.com/october-cover-story-de-colores-art-show-honors-gilbert-magu-lujan

8.   ^ https://www.alborde.com/educate/its-all-about-frida/

9.   ^ https://www.mysanantonio.com/entertainment/visual_arts/article/Texas-artists-stretch-boundaries-in-UTSA-biennial-780454.php

10. ^ https://www.mysoutex.com/san_patricio_county/news/features/g-p-art-students-love-of-dinosaurs-featured-in-award-winning-pieces/article_1b738240-4c7e-11e7-9bdc-cf989bb86f8c.html

Further reading

- ·   "'Am I Not here Who Am Your Mother,' ...on the Hill of Tepeyac." La Prensa, Dec 12, 2007, pp. 17-17,19. ProQuest, https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/am-i-not-here-who-your-mother-on-hill-tepeyac/docview/368684728/se-2?accountid=14512.

External links

·       - Artist's Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Grace-Barraza-Vega-Artist-      

           211308818963393/ 

       - Artist's Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-barraza-vega-70882830/

Lopez, Hellen (Week 5)

    The image that stood out most to me from Carmen Lomas Garza was Sandia/Watermelon from 1986. This image is located on page 50, figure 34 from Cortez’s text. When I first looked at this image, I was reminded of home. As a child, and even now with my younger brother, my family continues to do this on days likes these. Even though, now with my brother, it is a little different than it was before. When I was younger, my family and I would go outside to let us play while they cut a watermelon for us on hot summer days. We would invite other neighbors over or even some family members to come to our home. My family would only offer watermelon since that was what we were all doing. The watermelon would always finish, and everyone always had a great time. This image depicts some of the Chicanx culture and similarity that brings us together. Also, the image demonstrates the unity of the family as well roles each person is taking in the image.

    Nonetheless, in the text, Cortez indicates how this image represents the role of the parents and their presence. For example, the grandmother is given respect.  She is given a slice of watermelon from who is assumed to be her grandson. She is seated on the swing relaxing and not doing anything to make her tired. Most older people in the Chicanx culture are often honored for their hard work and sacrifices. Here, the grandmother’s importance is depicted. In addition, the father is also cutting the watermelon as the mother sits and eats it. This gives an understanding of who has control as the father is given it. Though the image demonstrates a sentimental reaction, it is detailed to demonstrate other main parts of the Chicanx culture.  

Lopez, Hellen (Week 4 - Rasquachismo)

    As Tomás Ybarra-Frausto indicates, the term Rasquachismo is usually something or someone seen as the underdog who gives their point of view or perspective. This is a term that I have never heard of in school or personal settings. However, this can be defined differently, as this Chicanx theory demonstrates it through art forms. Additionally, this is something significant to consider since looking into a perspective that is often looked down upon can bring a new way of seeing things. Even though this theory is guided more towards the Chicanx experience and even other groups that are given less recognition, it reminded me of something else when also reading Angela’s response. 

    Last night was the Women’s National Basketball Association or WNBA Final between Chicago and Phoenix. The WNBA is a specific group in the sports world that is not given much respect. Not since a few years ago, more people have watched or heard of this sports league. Most people like myself would invest time and money in the men’s club, which is famous around the world. There is even an immense significance in pay between the women and men athletes of these leagues where a man can make 100,000 a game while that is a yearly salary for the women basketball athlete. There are also fewer fans at the WNBA games though their tickets might be cheaper too. Given these significant differences, I saw how the WNBA might be an influential group that can be part of Rasquachismo. Looking at the perspective of the WNBA players can change how people view and appreciate sports in specifically American sports. Nonetheless, given that there are more significant percentages of women of color than in the WNBA, their perspective as people of color who are looked down upon more may be critical too.

Image from The New York Times by Cooper Neill

Lopez, Hellen (Abstract for Grace Barraza Vega)

Source 1:  

Molina, Sandra T. “Uptown Whittier Gallery to Host Mexican-American Artist.” Pasadena Star News, Pasadena Star News, 29 Aug. 2017, https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2012/09/13/uptown-whittier-gallery-to-host-mexican-american-artist/. 

Abstract:

The Pasadena Star News, Uptown Wittier gallery to host Mexican American artist, by Sandra T. Molina, discusses Grace Barraza Vega's art exhibit in 2012 at the Casita Del Pueblo. The article describes Vega's art's impact on her personal life as an art teacher and Mexican Native. Molina also interviews Vega about her work and struggles. The text also indicates information about Vega's past exhibits and responses from people with her work.

Source 2:

“Antonio Vega | Artist | Artfacts.” Islander Art Gallery - Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi,   

https://artfacts.net/artist/antonio-vega/327074. 

Abstract:

            In this article, the artist background information of Grace Barraza Vega is explained. This page also illustrates Vega’s standing as an artist among other artists. Artifacts discuss Vega’s “Herencia Chicana” (Chicano Heritage) exhibit in April 2011 at the Islander Art Gallery in Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. It also addresses her relationship with other artists in this exhibition.

Source 3:

Travis Whitehead. “Gallery Features Work of Barraza-Vega.” Knight-Ridder/Tribune Business News 2010: n. pag. Print.

Abstract:

            In this article, Grace Barraza Vega’s artwork is addressed from a gallery that featured her work. The text mainly focuses on Vega’s painting, “El Vato Louie.” Whitehead dissects this specific piece by detailing every part of it and the meaning it might have. Whitehead also examines well-known Mexican figures like Frida Kahlo and Carlos Santana in this art piece.  

Virgin of Guadalupe - Week 3

     The Virgin of Guadalupe is very significant to me. I have grown up in a devoted Catholic home on my father’s side, where her image continues to be very prominent. Even though I  grew up going to church almost every day, I realized why she was honored within the catholic religion. My grandmother would wake up every day to pray the rosary and the Virgin of Guadalupe at six in the morning. There were often candles with her image around too, or even small statues of her in every bedroom. After school, my brothers and I would go to the parish with my dad, the priests’ personal chef. At one moment in my life, I prayed to her too. I even purchased holy bracelets that included a small image of her which indicated she was protecting me. Since part of my family honors her presence, they also made sure to preach to us her life; they expected the women in the family to follow those principles.  However, I have very mixed feelings when it comes to the virgin of Guadalupe.Nonetheless, on my mother’s side, the virginity of Guadalupe is not essential, given their religion. They instead criticize her popularity and question her significance to being considered a holy being. Understanding these sides made me feel conflicted about the virgin of Guadalupe. 

    Given that I am very familiar with her, I noticed other Latinx people are too. At times, I felt that my family was overly obsessed with her image and what she represented for Catholics and the Latinx communities. In some parts of South La, I came and continued to see murals of her. For some, like my family, she represents purity, but she represents protection and peace for others. Also, some none Latinx people in LA are familiar with her. The virgin of Guadalupe represents different aspects for people, yet her image is well known.

An image my cousin took on her trip to Jerusalem in 2019.

Vega, Grace Barraza (Painting)

 2. Lopez, Pola 

 3. Gomez, Alma

Lopez, Hellen

    Hello everyone! My name is Hellen, and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a fourth-year English major and am also planning on minoring in Chicano studies. I have not conducted any research at UCLA, but I am interested in my discoveries in this class with artists. I was also in Professor Lopez's art censorship course this past spring. Therefore, I know artists in general but would like to explore other themes other than one around censorship. I know this class will be different since we will explore a specific type of artist.

    I come from a Mexican family and am primarily male-dominated, so I am familiar with Latina cultural and living aspects. However, I am not really familiar with Chicanx artists or remember seeing their work in museums. I have visited museums where mostly white or European art is popular. Therefore, I have never thought of Chicanx art. I come from a very artistic family but do not consider myself one. I have an uncle who lives in Mexico who paints local murals, religious or family paintings. Though his work might represent different aspects, religion is prominent; I know there are other significant meanings through Chicanx art. Religious art is often connected in my home more than any other type of art. I also know that it will be a prominent subject of Chicanx art.

    For me, art is essential because it can represent political to sentimental to comedic forms. However, I do not have a diverse background in Chicanx artists, which led me to this class. When discussing Chicanx art, my roots are connected to it, though I know very little. Anyways, I am very excited to be in this course and learn more about Chicanx artists and their work.