Arroyo, Cristina (Week 7 Claudia Zapata)

 Claudia Zapata dives into the evolution of art from physical paintings, sculptures, images, etc and the relatively new form of digital art within the Chicanx community as well as in the Black Lives Matter Movement. This addition to visual expression, as Zapata discusses, appeared controversial among several artists, however now it is one of the methods that some artists strictly use. Digital art and the internet allow artists, such as undocumented artists, to be activists, call for social change, critique institutions all while remaining anonymous and protecting themselves from risks such as deportation. Before reading Zapata’s essay, I did not consider this as a benefit for many. It even allows individuals who may have other careers and lives to continue their art and activism completely separate from their daily responsibilities. 

Another interesting topic mentioned in the essay is the transition some artists experienced after the addition of digital art as medium of expression. Specifically from those who critiqued digital art and considered traditional forms of art as the proper form of expression, such as Rupert Garcia. Initially he considered this new form of art as a corruption and eventually he completely transitioned into a solely digital artist because he found that he could produce art in larger quantities and that he could focus on details such as color much more. When something new is introduced, it is common for individuals to be skeptical and to meet it with some criticism, but once it is perceived with open eyes and simply an addition to the rest it can change perspectives entirely. 

Digital art has also allowed artists to spread awareness and political movements to larger and more diverse communities. Suddenly they are not limited to their friends and acquaintances and individual networks, but to the rest of the world. Digital art is much easier to share and spread and as a result much easier to gain following and support. This has also launched the careers of many artists and allowed them to connect with each other in a new and unique way.