Week 6: Domesticana

 According to Amalia Mesa-Bains, domesticana is the female version of rasquachismo, an identity of culture and resistance but more so describing the experience of Chicano artists. Within both rasquachismo and domesticana however lies the day to day experience of making creative use of what few resources one has to express themselves and also to survive. However, they differ in the sense that rasquachismo restricts women, so domesticana came about as an liberatory and reclamatory process of identity. This process very similarly reflects that of the differentiation between the terms "Chicano" and "Chicana", however it is important to note that domesticana and Chicana, and the qualities associated with them must be removed from the context of patriarchy. One important aspect of Chicana domesticana that holds a lot of power in regards to identity is the use of family at the center of their work whether through photography, ofrendas, etc... to pay homage to their roots and simultaneously to reclaim and reject femininity through juxtaposing imagery. I inserted one of Patssi Valdez's works, which showcases this juxtaposition and ambiguity between "femininity and almost desolation of the domestic site" as Mesa-Bains mentions. The woman featured in this image exists in nature with birds, but is holding cloth and what appears to be a needle and thread.  It seems to be making reference to Cinderella, except there is no outright joy or stereotypical jovial feminine singing. Rather, we are standing amidst power and reverence for this woman, as she appear to be in charge. Answering to no one!