Saturday, January 16, 2021

Extra Credit: “Change = Action/Time: Generational Activism in Chicanx and Latinx Art” Virtual Symposium


            The event that I was fortunate enough to attend was the “Art of the State” hosted by the Monterey Museum of Art. This was hosted on Saturday, Jan 9, 2021, through three different sessions between the hours of 10:00am till 5:00pm. I attended the 10:00am-12:00pm session where I was able to listen to Chicanx/Latinx artist’s life stories, their work of art, and their input on worldwide problems these artists face. Some of the speakers I was able to listen to were Juan Felipe Herrera, Amalia Mesa, Ralph D’ Oliverira, Carme Leon, and more. 

One of the most capturing moments in the live session was when Victor and Irene, who are both Chicanx/Latinx artists, explained their obstacles during their life. They explained how Victor’s art, “Drinking with Buddha”, was vandalized since it was an art project done in and for the public. He mentioned how when he noticed this then decided to take action and turn this art form into something more expressive. He worked on the artwork and ended with more colorful, expressive, and even more beautiful artwork to give back to the public and the individuals who vandalized. Some of the questions they addressed that I thought were noteworthy were “How has Chicana art changed in California over the year” and “Have you seen a change in how people view murals and public art on the streets?”. The artists were able to give their input which I believe were all amazing answers. 

Another story I thought was empowering was when Irene and Victor shared their experience about how they always felt excluded. They briefly mentioned about even though someone may not like or support their artwork, it is always important to support the artist. I think this kind of knowledge and way of thinking should be embedded not only in this perspective but in other areas of our world. Overall, this opportunity to choose this conversation between artists was wonderful and something I would attend in the future.

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