Lopez, Hellen

    Hello everyone! My name is Hellen, and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a fourth-year English major and am also planning on minoring in Chicano studies. I have not conducted any research at UCLA, but I am interested in my discoveries in this class with artists. I was also in Professor Lopez's art censorship course this past spring. Therefore, I know artists in general but would like to explore other themes other than one around censorship. I know this class will be different since we will explore a specific type of artist.

    I come from a Mexican family and am primarily male-dominated, so I am familiar with Latina cultural and living aspects. However, I am not really familiar with Chicanx artists or remember seeing their work in museums. I have visited museums where mostly white or European art is popular. Therefore, I have never thought of Chicanx art. I come from a very artistic family but do not consider myself one. I have an uncle who lives in Mexico who paints local murals, religious or family paintings. Though his work might represent different aspects, religion is prominent; I know there are other significant meanings through Chicanx art. Religious art is often connected in my home more than any other type of art. I also know that it will be a prominent subject of Chicanx art.

    For me, art is essential because it can represent political to sentimental to comedic forms. However, I do not have a diverse background in Chicanx artists, which led me to this class. When discussing Chicanx art, my roots are connected to it, though I know very little. Anyways, I am very excited to be in this course and learn more about Chicanx artists and their work.