As my first course in the Chicana/o and Central American Studies department, this class has allowed me to learn so much about Chicanx/Latinx art and culture. What was especially exciting was that I also had the opportunity to learn from the personal experiences of my peers through their discussions in the lectures as well as their reflections in their blog posts. As a Los Angeles native, this class has also allowed me to think more critically and reflect on the rich history and cultures within various LA communities that are often overlooked due to gentrification and forced cultural assimilation.
A specific artist who I enjoyed learning about during the artist presentations is freelance painter, muralist, and digital illustrator Manuela Guillén. I really like her contemporary editorial style as well as how she is able to shed light on various issues pertaining to topics such as arts education, voting rights, social and political rights, capitalism, and the environment. She is also an art teacher who believes that art should be accessible to all communities in both the art-making and viewing process. I strongly agree with this sentiment and believe that there should be a continued push for art accessibility in order to reflect more diverse identities and experiences. Her art pieces that were presented during the lecture brought awareness towards the impact that capitalism has on human rights, the mistreatment of farmworkers, and the importance of self-care.
A concept that stood out to me during this course was rasquachismo/domesticana. Learning about both of these terms allowed me to reflect on how art that has been traditionally recognized in mainstream galleries is typically reflective of upper-class, white, male experiences. It was eye-opening to learn about how rasquache and domesticana art is able to enforce how art can be created through utilizing unconventional materials. This art form is able to reflect more diverse identities, cultures, and lifestyles that can more effectively show the personal experiences of the artist. This concept also emphasizes the flexibility of the art-making process, showcasing how artists do not have to rely on traditional materials in order to practice their craft.
Hi Marian,
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed the presentations in class. My favorite part was seeing so many new artworks that were so interesting. Rasquache was a concept that I also enjoyed learning about because it made me realize that what artist put into their work does not have to be fancy but have meaning.