Blog Post: Week 3

In the short essay entitled, “The Iconography of Self Determination: Race, Ethnicity, and Class ” written by Shifra Goldman, the author primarily discusses how the Chicano community reclaimed their native heritage, along with their history in order to produce art that evoked a socially and politically important message. Moreover, the essay continues to explain that Chicano/a art primarily displays the native roots of the Chicano heritage, while also incorporating an important message through the inclusion of significant historical figures. Such important messages are demonstrated in murals, where the historical figures are also included to present the message the artist wants to convey. The author then brings up the topic of stereotypes and explains that it is common for many people to identify themselves with these stereotypes because they are often based on their own ethnicity. Goldman also discusses the fact that many of these stereotypes are actually the ideas present in today’s artwork. Many artists utilize these common stereotypes and centralize them as a main idea in their artwork to present a meaningful message.

In the book Yolanda M. López by Karen Mary Davalos, on page 65, figure 37, the painting entitled Self Portrait, portrays a sense of self-determination. I feel like this painting carries a strong meaning of not only self-determination, but also confidence, empowerment, and independence. In the text, it explains that this painting came about after López found her inner feminist voice while studying at UCSD. López was tired of this sexual connotation with Chicanas. López took it upon herself to demonstrate that Chicanas are not objects to be sexualized, but are also normal human beings. I think this painting truly evokes “self-determination” simply because at this point in her life, López is able to identify with a new self and pursue new goals in terms of her then newly found feminist voice.