The Final Post

This class turned out to be challenging but enjoyable, I loved the different components of the class. The art sketchbook turned out to be harder than I had planned, I found it challenging to draw people rather than objects. I definitely have realized that I'm a much better artist than I thought, all the different assignments seemed to strike some sort of connection to my identity as well as my memory and life. Some things that were challenging for me was remembering about the blog post, as you can see I remembered about it a little too late. All in all I really enjoyed the overall class; all the beautiful artwork, all the different artist and all the history behind Chicana art. I would most definitely recommend this class to any of my colleagues because it's very beneficial. I enjoyed all three texts, I've never read a book from cover to cover and found them so interesting until I took this class, so I thank you. I wish the art supplies weren't so expensive but other than that I not only enjoyed the class but I feel like I have expanded my horizons and my knowledge.

Our Chicana Printmakers: Favianna Rodriguez

In Holly Barnet-Sanchez book Where are the Chicana Printmakers she focus on how Chicana artist have become the voice for our people, and not just any type of artist; specifically printmakers. They have constructed a positive Chicana identity. The printmaker I've decided to focus on is Favianna Rodriguez because her political prints stood out to me the most.

She includes strong messages in all her prints, she's not afraid to voice her beliefs. She's become such a role model for the Chicano community because if there's anyone out there afraid to voice their desire for equality Rodriguez is helping them by voicing it for them. Her speaks to me as her audience, especially her series that focuses on education. This series as well as this print speak to me because we constantly are aware of our family's struggle or individuals struggle with getting deported or not being able to enter their homeland to visit loved ones or homes. Printmakers use their artist power to alert the world of the problems going on around us, the problems politicians and the government try their best to ignore. Printmakers, like Favianna Rodriguez are so influential, I truly respect all their prints because they speak about the issues that trouble the Chicano community.

Letter to Annie Lopez

Dear Annie Lopez,


I just want to express to you how detailed your form of art is, it all has such a strong message that I really would like you to help me understand. The clothing you make is magnificent, the individuals you incorporate as well as the stories you include in these art pieces are powerful messages. I truly love your drive and admire it, I like the way you can be open with your audience with your hardships. All the images that were presented about you stood out to me, the first one is the image of a baby that includes the words "1/4 Hispanic loves beans and rice" at a first glance it looks like a missing sign but the words that are included are more like societies perceptions of Hispanics that we all love beans and rice and that's what we are known for. What was the hardship that influenced this image, we always here about the audience views of the image but never really the true story as to why the author chose to do the piece.
And lastly the second image I'd like to focus on is another image of a baby with the quote that reads, "Bad thoughts pop into her head all day, and sometimes at night." Is this image a self-portrait of yourself when you were a baby or is it someone else that's close to you. The quote is very true however we all have those moments when we think about the bad things that are happening to us and the world around us, but I don't really understand the need for the images of the guns. Is this suppose to be a suicidal affect? Are they there to show how these thoughts eat up a person inside? Why the picture of a baby? It contradicts with the quote because babies usually never have anything on their mind and they don't tend to have a care in the world they live life happily all the time.
I noticed the trend of infants in some of your artwork, why is this such an influence for you? What does it symbolize?

Sincerely a curious student.

Carmen Lomas Garza

 

The image I have chosen by Carmen Lomas Garza is named Tamalada I chose this image because it reminded me a lot of this very holiday we know as Thanksgiving that many of us and our families celebrate. It shows this Latino family gathering to make super, for many Latino families it is popular for them to make nontraditional American dishes and instead make their own cultural dishes for these holidays. We can see in this picture just how this celebration and food making is a family effort, it is seen the importance of making the young ones understand and appreciate their cultural roots. We see children joining in the festivities. Another aspect of this image that stands out is the many generations that are presented in this image. There is garlic hung on the wall and usually that's a symbol of protection because garlic is known to keep the bad spirits away. Another traditional art piece that stands out in the background is the image of La Ultima Cena with Jesus Christ, another resemblance that shows gathering together. This image very much reminds me of my family and when we make Tamales because we all gather around the table having conversations, remember all the good times all while we put the masa on the husks and then put the meat. Just like this family we split the duties of making the tamales into groups, on group cleans the husks, while one makes the masa, and then some fill it with meant and the others spread the masa on the husks. I love this image because I make a special connection with it and it brings back old memories.

Dia De Los Muertos Response to Ashley Uvina

      Hey Ashley I choose to respond to you because I was very intrigued in why face painting was not part of the ritual that you participated on el Dia De Los Muertos. I've participated in various events that consist on Dia de Los Muertos rituals and face painting is one of them, so I was curious as to why that wasn't a part of it if its seen as a traditional form of art on these two days of honoring our loved ones who have passed away. I also wanted to ask how you enjoyed the process of preparing for the showing of the altar, the picture looks amazing so many bright colors and details that were put into to the altar. How much outside time did you dedicate to prepare and how early was this started?  How was this year's Dia de Los Muertos different and or similar than the previous you've celebrated?
     I really enjoyed reading your post and learning just how diverse people celebrate holidays like these. I'm glad you all came together to honor loved ones, all the hard work and time truly shows, it looked great. Thanks for informing me as well as our class with your experience for the Dia de Los Muertos event.

Laura Aguilar

I chose to write about Laura Aguilar because her form of art struck me the most. I enjoy the story behind her photography because at one point she used to be self-conscious of her body because she was over weight. Growing up she used to get teased for being overweight, as the years went by she began embracing her curves and using it as art.
Although her photography is very revealing it still however is very expressive. Her art is different than other artists because instead of thinking why the artist drew or painted something you think of what the person's life story is. Her form of art captivates a story and it makes me question why Aguilar choose the individuals that she does.
At first I was surprised to see her form of art but after some time I truly appreciated the meaning behind her artwork. We need artist like Laura Aguilar that will help people deal with the real issues in this world.

Sketch Album Photo

I chose this image for my sketch book because it embodies empowerment, which is one thing I want to be a part of with my time here at UCLA. It also resembles fighting together and coming together for a cause. This image creates a counter-hegemonic discourse through art. I value this piece of art, which is why I chose it. For me it represents all the people involved within the Chicano Movement as well as all of the individuals who fought for equality. It represents the struggles these individuals went through as well the goals they've achieved and will continue to achieve. This image represents a never ending fight, a joining together to reach what Latinos and all inferior ethnic groups have ever wanted, equality and rights, the chance to be able to feel free in a country that promotes greater opportunities and freedom.

This image is a representation of being an activist, never giving up on my goals, and always being proud of where I come from, it embodies everything I feel and want to do as a Latina/Chicana and that's why I chose it.

Artist Presentation: Consuelo Underwood

I would like to do my presentation on Consuelo Underwood

Week Two: CARA and La Virgen de Guadalupe

I was raised in a Catholic based household, although my parents weren't very religious they still informed us of icons like the Virgen de Guadalupe. Growing up I expressed my fears, aspirations, struggles, and sins to La Virgen. She has always been an important icon in my life because she represents the religion that I am a part of as well as a figure that has always been by my side. My family on the other hand see the Virgen as a representation of our religion rather than a person in their lives. 

Even though I cherish the original image of La Virgen de Guadalupe, Professor Gaspar de Alba's presentation of the CARA exhibition made me open my eyes to ways in which powerful women should be represented through the Arts. From reading the readings I was a bit skeptical of the way La Virgen was being portrayed, but actually hearing the presentation and seeing all the wonderful and inspirational ways women icons are expressed changed my way of thinking. Women have always been seen as submissive and passive and Chicana Art is giving women true meaning by expressing their power and strength through new representations. I never have thought about art and the body parts that are included and not included, just by giving someone legs to walk on changes the meaning of a painting and now I will look at art in a different way. I will now analyze what the artist was trying to display.

Padilla, Monica

My name is Monica Padilla, I am a first generation transfer student from Northern California from a small town by the name of Napa. My parents were both born in Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico. I am majoring in Gender Studies with a minor in Chicana/Chicano Studies. My ultimate career goal is to become a therapist or psychologist for children and families because my ambition is to inspire and help guide others to the positive aspects in life. My own family has been my drive to continue on with school after high school, I also enjoy this journey because I have seen just how much of a role model I actually am to my younger cousins.

In "Out of the House, the Halo, and the Whores Mask: the Fear of Malinchismo," one question that came to mind when reading this article that I kept dwelling for an answer was, due to the Virgen de Guadalupe being such a religious and empowering icon why have Chicana or Chicano Artists found the need to create new and different images to resemble the original image? In my opinion La Virgen de Guadalupe is an image that is valued to a great amount of individuals, coming from a religious background I feel as though Ester Hernandez tainted somewhat the image of what La Virgen de Guadalupe is originally meant to been seen as. The image she created has no resemblance to the original image, she creates a new woman that looks no where near what the Virgen appearance has been seen as throughout thousands of years. Although I applaud and respect Ester's image of an empowering Virgen I don't think that, that should be the image we remember La Virgen years from now.

In "There is no place like Aztlan: Embodied Aesthetics in Chicana Art" the certain section that stood out to me was when it breaks down the definition of identity and what characteristics are actually included within the definition. It goes on to speak about hegemony and that was one topic that has intrigued me for a while now, my question reflects, why does hegemonic discourse fail to acknowledge our intersectionalities that are reflected upon our personal identity. Due to Chicanos being a minority I don't believe its fair that our intersectionalities aren't being taken into consideration when we are categorized into groups because although our race or ethnicity may vary we all still share commonalities.