Week 3 - Things I Never Told My Son About Being a Mexican (1985) by Yolanda Lopez

From the overarching, broader media series, “Cactus Hearts/Barbed Wire Dreams” comes this mixed media installation titled “Things I Never Told My Son About Being a Mexican”, made in 1985, and one that deals with the life aspects of cultural, and social, adaptation, as well as self-identity and reflection. It is composed of a number of different three-dimensional items that are attached to a large yellow backdrop, items ranging from clothing to pictures, and even some writings. All of the objects included in the project contain symbolistic aspects of the Chicana/o culture that many would recognize and resonate with. The item placement, in and of itself, is asymmetrical, there is no particular pattern to be found for the arrangement, which, in essence, adds the artistic aspect of spontaneity, adding another spark to the installation. The top of the backdrop contains a horizontally long, red zigzag line that stretches from one end to the other, above all the items. The words “THINGS I NEVER TOLD MY SON ABOUT BEING A MEXICAN” are written in big, bold, black letters on the bottom of the backdrop, below all the imagery. Definitively, it is a colorful, vivid, eye-catching piece that cannot be easily missed as you walk through her main exhibition.

This particular set of media installations served as a way for Lopez to strip preconceived social constructs about the Chicana culture and lifestyle away from view, and instead display realistic and authentic perspectives in order to promote ethnic freedom and self-love. Being an artistic activist or “artivist”, Lopez has always been keen on becoming part of the public conversation, chiming in, whether it was verbally through video/documentary projects, or through her art in exhibitions around the world. In essence, the purpose of this installation, and the broader exhibition, are to remind individuals of Latino/Chicano descent not to lose grip on their ethnic and cultural roots, to not allow their minds to be corrupted or manipulated through cultural appropriation, and most importantly to cherish and appreciate where they come from, and who they are.