Resendiz, Johana

 

Hello! My name is Johana Resendiz, and my pronouns are she/her. I come from Riverside, California but was born in Long Beach. My major is currently Biology with a minor in Chicanx Studies, but I will be changing it for a double major in Chicanx Studies and Public Affairs. I took many art courses in high school which focused on creating pieces through different media. Of the four classes, none have focused on the history of art or artist. Thus, I would love to learn more about different types of Chicanx artists and support their creations! 

Besides my interest in art, I find myself drawn to the concept of intersectionality because I am a queer, low-income daughter of a deported immigrant mother. I am specifically interested in deconstructing the roles created to keep the rich wealthy and the poor powerless. The idea of whether racism is constructed to divide the poor and unite the rich is constantly plaguing my thoughts. Racism ensures that even the most impoverished white person will feel superior to the riches Black person, and thus, gouging a deeper scar in the division of humanity. Hatred ingrained in the mentality of too many prevents unity and solidarity from flourishing in even the closest of communities. Thus, creating the inability to overthrow the capitalist hugger of the rich. 

The reading reminded me of this concept from the view of sexism and not classism. Conditions For Producing Chicana Art by Sybil Venegas helped me understand how the perspective of art consumers has primarily focused on white males and Chicano art. The constant suppression of Chicana art by sexist ideals is an example of how men uphold the patriarchy. Yet, as the text states, Chicanas' need to survive in this world fuels the creations that are finally recognized as art. Although art still is censored, this is a beautiful time for everyone, especially Chicanas to manifest their abilities into gorgeous pieces of all mediums. Through this enlightenment, I am floored by the power in this class to advocate for these artists.