Week 10 Reflection Post

When I started the course, I wasn't really sure what to expect. I came in with 0 art knowledge, and even knew even less about specific artists, let alone Chicana artists. I don't say this degrading, but rather to point out the lack of representation and attention these amazing artists receive. Thanks to this course, I was exposed to a variety of issues addressed through different forms of art. Although all of the artists we reviewed and learned about had many great art pieces and conveyed messages, one artist that stuck with me from the moment I learned about her was Carmen Lomas Garza. When we got assigned the reading, I was immediately intrigued by the cover art of the book. The nopales and tunas being picked by eating utensils, it reminded me of my grandpa, and how much he used to boast about his nopales growing the best tunas in the neighborhood. As I went along reading her story and viewing her paintings, I found myself getting the feeling of homeness, more and more. Seeing the big family "reunions," where everyone was helping cook a big meal- it looked just like Christmas every year at my grandma's house. The neighborhood events, where everyone is interacting, without shying away or feeling left out- it feels like home, not knowing everyone, but having the courage to start a conversation because you know your affection and interest will be reciprocated. These are just a few examples of why Carmen Lomas Garza's work was so captivating to me, and I am glad I was able to learn about these paintings, because for too long I have felt underrepresented, and ignored, by society. Not just because I identify as Chicanx, but because as a woman of color, it is difficult to see my stories widely popularized in media. Seeing all of these Chicana artists pouring their hearts out, so that people like me can relate to even just one painting, it was an amazing experience, and I am glad I was able to live it in this course.

art by: http://katkillah.tumblr.com