Avila, Andrew

During my time within this course I have come to understand a number of different perspectives regarding ChicanX and LatinX art. As a young Chicano, Latino male I was seemingly unaware of the plight regarding Chicana art. More specifically, I was completely unaware of the many obstacles, challenges, and discrimination many Chicana artists face. To begin with, I was unaware that many Chicana artists face the amount of discrimination and endless amounts of unvalidation that they do. I was shocked to uncover the ways in which Chicana artists are made invisible. Perhaps the most eye opening work we discussed that centered on this topic, was the piece titled, “Why There Are No Chicana Artists”.  

On the other hand, it's genuinely hard to understand and relate to the plight of some of these artists. I think that is probably the most important thing I've learned and encountered in this course. As a Chicano/Latino artist I cant say I’ve ever really faced many types of discrimination in regards to my art, so it was chalenging to relate with issues regarding these forms of dicrimination. Additionally, I felt extremely removed from these types of scenarios because of the fact that I’ve never really encountered them on a personal level. That being said, it was almost shocking, surprising even to find out just how much discimintaion still exists today regarding Chicana art, and Chicana artists specifically. 

I think the best take away I’ve taken from this course is learning how to be an active listener and ally for those who experience these forms of oppression within our world of art. I find it to be an extreme honor to be able to conduct the activist work that will help elevate some of the Chicana/Latina artists who still face these forms of oppression. I just hope that my activist work does not end here within this course and within this quarter. I truly believe in the impact of the work that we are conducting, and I hope to incorporate that type of activist work throughout the rest of my career as an aspiring artist.