Zapata writes about the impact of digital platforms and the ability to digitize art. Chicanx artists have used digital art to engage with audiences and form solidarity to advocate for improving education, protesting injustice, and cultural self-reflection. I agree with Zapata when she stresses the importance of recognizing that the definition of Chicanx graphics is not fixed but rather will continue to expand as artists utilize different technology like augmented reality, and virtual reality. As we have technological advances, Chicanx art will also expand to utilize these spaces to share their art for advocacy. In Figure 5 (Zapata 140), we see the work of Rini Templeton, Tax the Corporations, I like how the image itself is simple but yet very powerful and gets its message across clearly. I think it incites action equal to that of a work that may be considered to be more intricate, by using outlines of the protestors it seems to give a message of this could be you out here protesting, we get to put the face to the outline. Another digital image included is by Oree Originol, Justice for Aiyana Jones, where we are able to learn more about the importance of having digital images like such for social movements. Oree Originol created artwork that allows us all to stand in solidarity with efforts to end state violence against the black community and demand justice for victims like Aiyana Jones. Originol produced his social justice project, Justice for our Lives, which are black and white digital portraits of each victim which are downloadable. Having work like that of Originol makes it easily accessible for members of the community to print out the portrait and make posters, stickers, post on social media, and more. It is easier to start the conversation about systemic oppression and state-sanctioned violence towards the black community. It is important to have digital art like such because it brings engagement and acknowledges victims. We learn their names, and they are not just another name added to the list of black individuals who lost their lives. Having Aiyana Jones's image on the poster makes the audience think that Jones was someone's daughter, sister, niece and we would want people to advocate for our loved ones if something like this happened to them. We are able to put a face to the name and ensure that she will not be forgotten and we will not rest until we get justice for Jones who was shot by a SWAT team member who raided her family's home. It is clear that embracing technological advancements and digital media is important because we can use it to produce a commentary on social issues, and support the different movements to bring permanent change in the oppressive systems toward BIPOC.
Fig. 7: Justice for Aiyana Jones
(Zapata 142)
(Zapata 140)
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