Rasquachismo and Domesticana, Presentation Artist

Rasquachismo- This comes from the word Rasquache, and before this class I did not really know what it meant. From the readings and class discussions, however, I have learned its rich meaning, its history and the complexity it holds. There was the originating intention behind the word as more of an insult, something with a negative connotation where someone who was Rasquachismo was part of a lower socio-economic group, had less things, and thus had to utilize scraps, etc. Now, there is a reinvention of the word, and metamorphosis into a symbol of resilience which is palpable in the Chicanx and Latinx communities. As marginalized communities in the United States, being Rasquachismo means you make the most of the situation at hand, you are resourceful, creative fast thinking and strong. You create from little, and are able to transform things and situations. It is beautiful in its rejection of accepting things as is, it's a process of making more for yourself, your family and your community. In art, it's creating works with intent and meaning and having to be creative to work with what you have. It's something to be proud of, not something to be ashamed of, as the word might have made someone feel badly in the past. I also think this word is geared towards men more often than women but I am not too knowledgable on this. I believe though that Rasquachismo is more often used when it comes to Chicanx and Latinx men while Domesticana is typically linked with women. 

Domesticana- I had also not been familiar with this term until this quarter, and I believe it draws similar roots from Rasquachismo. I think initially it had a negative connotation, drawing from a degradation of women's arts in mediums which were considered more domestic, more folkloric. I thin it is through the process of Chicanx and Latinx women reclaiming the word and using it as a form of challenging these ideologies that Domesticana has been reborn. From my understanding it is a process of art making which challenges traditional domestic roles for women, invites conversation, and introduces deeper thinking on things which would not otherwise be seen or discussed. These things would be day-to-day experiences or places or ideas of Chicanx women, presenting perspectives and points of view which otherwise would not be seen. It's seems like a process of reclamation of space and voice. 


The presentation artist I want to work on is the painter Yolanda Gonzalez. I do not believe anyone has said they wish to focus on her, if they did I am able to change to someone else, I do not think that anyone chose her though.