I was blown away while watching the exhibition of Printing the Revolution. It is so inspiring learning about the artists and the background regarding some of their art. Chicano artists like Juan Fuentes, Ester Hernandez, and Zeke Pena gave a history of the struggles of their time. It was great to learn about Ester Hernandez's story of how she was born into the Chicano Movement and how her father was the first in her neighborhood to join the Union. It was great to put a face to the artist responsible for some of the iconic Chicano Art. It was exciting to know the story behind the influences that lead Juan Fuentez towards his activism. I was surprised to learn how the issues that these artists worked so hard to overturn haven't really changed much like racism and oppression. When asked about what they thought of the changes that have occurred about art, both Juan and Ester responded to the fact that it has changed digitally. The biggest change has been the transformation from poster/paper art to computer/digitally. In the past, Chicanos were creating art like posters or flyers and would spread the word by physically and manually posting them in barbershops, taquerias, bakeries, and restaurants. Today, the change to digital has provided the ability to go viral and reach places that weren't possible or hard to reach before. Having Chicano art in a place like the Smithsonian is important because Chicano Art is American Art and American Art is Chicano Art. Also, it is important history that needs to be told to inform the younger generation of activists of Chicano History.
I also chose to write about the sun mad raisins and the work of Esther Hernandez, she is so smart for making the art as something the public is already familiar too. Especially since this was going to be mass produced and shared so it captures the attention of as many people as possible. I wonder if you can get into any type of trouble or could possibly be sued for making a work so similar.
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