Brenda Barrios Week 10 Reflection

 This course has provided an expansion of the list of artists I got the chance to learn about. Unfortunately, as students, we often learn about artists, including being the majority of men. Usually, when I've taken Art history classes, I would only be taught a few women artists, and it always felt like something that was forced. And the list of women artists I could list would most likely be white women. I was intrigued by this focus on women artists for this course, and being Latine or chicane this class was important to be because these topics are not highlighted in most art history studies. I enjoyed reading the articles and hearing people's interest in their found artists. Especially since there is such a variety in mediums.  

Also, I realized that with my disability, it is difficult to turn in assignments for me because I reread and it takes me longer to write. And I also compare myself to other CAE students who turn it in before me, and I always fear that they will be graded better than me because they turn it in before me, and then the Professor or TA would think I'm not trying hard. However, I realized that we all have different disabilities and challenges. And I unfortunately can't prevent people's biases. 

This course was inspiring, seeing what all women artists have done. And especially Yolanda Lopez seeing all the works she has produced through the years varying in mediums and really bridging the path for many artists like myself. Lopez’s works show empowerment in women and nostalgia that it's difficult to pick one piece from her because they all have been different. I think I’ll always appreciate the artists that were here before me since being a women artist wasn't always easy. Especially if you do artworks that call to action or social justice and issues that most people prefer you to be silent about. Being a women artist is more accepted and encouraged, and it makes me happy that my classes do have many women artists; however, recognition still feels to fall short. I know many amazing and talented women artists, but what comes to people's minds is limited, and we need more classes like this one that help change the narrative of history.

    I really appreciated how personal this class felt and when learning, I felt spiritually aligned with the class and the material, and I know I'll take what I learned in this course to my future endeavors. I'm hoping I'll get to meet many of the artists we learned about and see their work in person! 

I want to thank Professor Alma Lopez for providing a  safe space where we can learn about women artists and be open. And our TA Christian for being helpful and both for being understanding and helpful through this challenging transition from going back to in-person schedules. I would want this class to continue and definitely recommend it to others so many people can finally know more diverse artists. Thank you.