Cantu, Maribella

Hello! My name is Maribella and my pronouns are they/them. I am a fourth year Sociology major and Chicanx and Central American Studies minor. I am interested in taking this class because I hope to learn more about how gender relates to Chicanx identity especially in creative spheres. I recently took a course that centered written works, including fiction, by women of color and especially Latinas. It was an interesting class because it highlighted the influential written work that women have produced and how the works were vehicles for important dialogues to occur. The authors incorporated necessary discussions of the experiences of women with different marginalized identities, such as women of color, immigrant women, and queer women and how their marginalization occurs due to misogyny, capitalism, racism, etc. I am interested in continuing to discuss and learn about Latinas in creative fields and their work as well as reflecting on their work through a feminist framework.

In this week's reading "Printing and Collecting the Revolution" by E. Carmen Ramos, they discuss the history of Chicanx and Latinx art, such as Chicanx printmaking or graphic arts, playing a role in activism. Ramos emphasizes the important role of these artists as they made a conscious effort to work with marginalized groups, such as people of color (26). Printmaking and graphic arts as a medium play a key role in furthering dialogue and reflecting changes that occur in social and political conditions. Additionally, given the racism in the art world that favors white artists, Chicanx art has also played an important part in shaping identity away from these norms and in creating and sustaining community support as evidenced with the importance of art in resistance. Further, the work of Latina artists also contributes to creating a space and dialogue that aims to uplift marginalized identities.