After reading Chapter 3 of “Out of the House, the Halo, and the Whore’s Mask: The Mirror of Malinchismo” by Alicia Gaspar de Alba, I was able to understand how the CARA exhibition was so significant to the Chicano Movement. It allowed for Chicano identity, culture, and beliefs to finally be expressed through the visual arts. It gave a voice to those who had been oppressed by the white and powerful and was a way to create resistance. What I find empowering about this exhibition was that it was one of the first exhibitions to feature the works of over 100 Chicana/o artist throughout the U.S. This is a major change seen within our people because it created an artistic space that allowed for conversations about citizenship, community, and identity. It brought awareness to these artistic spaces and inspired many to be advocates for their communities.
Although the CARA exhibition showcased Chicana/o experiences, it yet lacked female representation. Gaspar de Alba mentions how the female to male ratio was not equally represented throughout the CARA exhibitions. For example, “Of the fifty-four mural images projected, only seven were done exclusively by women or women’s collectives.” This quote puts into perspective the inequalities Chicana women faced, not only as females, but as people of color.
Once Alicia Gaspar de Alba came to our class to present on her story and about her relation to the CARA exhibition, I was able to connect the reading with her presentation. It was empowering to see all the struggles she faced and the ways she has overcome them through art. What I believe was the highlight of the presentation was when Alicia Gaspar de Alba made us students analyze the question regarding if one identifies themselves as a “feminist”. It was interesting to see my classmates responses, some stating that they are "feminist". Those who do not identify as "feminist" still support the movement.
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