Week 8: Chicano Art

 Shifra believes that Chicano art is new to mainstream art establishments. These same establishments that are just recently have recognized Chicano art. She believes that Chicano artists are breaking away from tradition. Moving into the production of art for profit results in diluting the intentions of what Chicano art was intended. She points to the original motives of Chicano art production, alluding to the sentiment of Chicano art being by the people for the people.

In response to this critique, Judithe Hernandez defends the actions of artists who wish to make art more accessible by introducing it to different audiences and in other spaces. Hernandez does not believe that her participation in Mainstream activities invalidate her commitment to the Chicano movement. She believes that as a professional, she holds the right to exhibit her art through the mediums she desires, all while profiting for her work. She points to the notion that previous artists would not frown upon this ask because their work would mature and change. 

Shifra, in response, points to the voice of the predecessors that Hernandez mentions. A stance is made based on the ideas of Malaquias Montoya regarding the profiting of Chicano Art. Shifra argues that the establishments are taking advantage of Chicano artists and are given crumbs in return for their art. Shifra quotes Siqueiros to address the validity and authenticity of art not displayed in traditional ways. If the artist takes their art and privatizes it, it is no longer for the people. Therefore, they would not be honored by the Chicano art community. She ends her argument by stating that, like Hernandez, she criticizes the racist standards but just has a different approach.