A preview to the Printing the Revolution! Exhibition begins talking about the Chicano movement of the 1960s because it was the civil rights activity that lead to the long lasting use of graphic arts. The Chicanx art shown in the presentation involves issues that still remain today. However, if it were not for many of these pieces and the issues that they address, we may have been living with additional struggles today. For example we may not be studying an ethnic studies course like this one. Claudia highlights that their are cross cultural collaborators involved in Chicanx graphic art and print networkers.
Something that stood out as the Chicanx artists on the panel spoke about their work, is that many of them came of age during political social movements. Esther for example is able to talk about a first person perspective of el movimiento. Social activism has always been undoubtedly a major in these artworks, but what blows my mind is how it was and continues to be able to spread a political/cultural consciousness that reaches people of Chicanx/Latinx decent from all over the place. This is so powerful it is no wonder the practice of graphic art is being carried into another era by contemporary printmakers. Because one thing in particular that I am excited for with this exhibition is being able to see these prints next to newer prints. As I mentioned earlier there may be some common struggles being addressed in prints of the past and prints from today, so this exhibition will definitely provoke some much needed conversation and collaboration. Lastly, another think that struck me is how Chicanx art was not considered American art. The Smithsonean is addressing this issue through the exhibition itself so I hope to see the inclusion of Chicanx art in other exhibition in the future.
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