Chicana Art and Artist & The use of Technology (Week 2)

Q: Can technology be another avenue and platform for Chicana art and artist outside of the male dominated, male focused traditional art world? 

A:    Due to patriarchy and Eurocentric focused art, cultural art and female art and artist have historically been excluded. Technology has been another avenue for Chicana and Latina art and artist to share their work without having to rely on the traditional exclusionary ‘art world’. Not only can technology be beneficial, but technology is constantly changing and growing, therefore if an artist is well versed with technology then their work can be relevant for a long time. 

    Art oftentimes displays, show, or speak on current political and social climates. Although technology is not a political or social tool, it can be used as a platform for expressing political and social issues. Therefore, art should also adjust to the changes and the increasingly use of technology and internet.  

    I do not agree with Lev Manovich in which they state that the art with the use of technology is unoriginal. Many artists are inspired by other artist that share common interest or other artist that came before them. The originality comes from what they make of the art and how they make it their own. Also, not all artist can paint or draw like traditional art and artist, and technology expands what can be categorized as art. Technology is inclusive even to women, even if it was not the intention of technology. For example, Alma Lopez was able to create an image of La Virgen de Guadalupe that not only challenges the role of institutionalized religion in terms of gender, but also identity. They were able to create a Virgin that represented her and her queer identity. Not only did technology allow her to create her art, but it also allowed her to share her art with other people and friends. 

    As I mentioned before, some art forms can be relevant for a long period of time when using technology like mentioned in Web 1.0. For example, Chicana artist Jacalyn Lopez Garcia created a website, Glass House, that was an interactive site where one can see photos of her family, and art. I would argue she was ahead of her time. Today due to the current climate and pandemic everything is being switched to online and virtual. Museums and performances are all done virtual and Jacalyn Lopez website is an example of the many types of art and platforms currently being used. 

Some context on the photo: Today, everything is being done virtually and online. The photo is from an article in which it discusses museums to visit virtually. I’m glad I was able to read up on Chicana Artist that found their own way, that is now more relevant than ever. Even the Smithsonian is offering some exhibits virtually.