Extra Credit Blog Post: Seen and Unseen

In the video, Barbara Carrasco describes the story and meaning behind her lithograph "Pregnant Woman in a Ball of Yarn." She explains that the woman portrayed as being trapped by the yarn, is her sister-in-law. Carrasco's brother was very unsupportive of her sister-in-law's desire to pursue higher education while pregnant. This stemmed from his own misogyny that led him to believe that his wife should adhere to the gendered expectations of womanhood and motherhood. Carrasco shared that her brother was ashamed that this lithograph was about that experience. 

Carrasco also shared that the lithograph has taken on different meanings due to different political issues. Many interpreted this piece as one that took a stand against sterilizations which infringed upon reproductive rights of many people. However, Carrasco shared that at the time she was unaware of the sterilizations happening at USC. Despite this, she understands this piece has significance for many people for a variety of reasons. 

She also worked closely with the UFW to create works, such as banners, that would share information with the viewer. Her banners worked to inform people about the use of pesticides in farmwork and the dangerous impact that they have. She also addressed consumerism in her work especially as her pieces were targeted towards consumers in order to show them the conditions of farmwork that they are not privy to.