Orozco, Emily (Week 10 Reflection)

I have not taken many art classes during my time here at UCLA. As a stem major I take these classes as a “break” from my intensive science classes. However, most of these classes have been some of my favorites because I learn things that science can’t teach. Taking sociology and cultural classes has educated me on social issues and introduced me to many fields of work beyond biology. As a Latina woman I had never really thought about Chicanx/Latinx artists as a category of their own. To me, artists were just artists and I had just enjoyed looking at their work. I had never really thought about the European or just all around white dominance of art in the well known galleries I have visited. This class has shown me that it is important to follow artists from under represented communities because they face a lot of discrimination and don’t necessarily receive the same praise as white artists. I think our wikipedia project really puts into perspective how little coverage Chicanx artists receive. All I thought about was how there are roughly 70 students in this class and we all have an artist to write about. That’s at least 70 Chicanx artists whose art does not get the coverage it deserves.

My definition and expectation of what “art” is has been drastically changed by this course. I have learned the importance of representation of black and brown folks through the medium of art. I think creative spaces allow for folks of marginalized communities to be open and honest about their thoughts and experiences. These are the stories that shouldn’t be ignored considering how their experience has been so much different than that of a white artist.

I think one of the most important and striking aspects of these works of art where the works that depicted queer folks. I had never seen art like this before, especially Xandra Ibarra. She used the shock factor of her art to her advantage usually vulgar images to demonstrate femininity, queerness, and culture at the same time. Her art has resonated with so much since we had her speak to us. I think seeing the artist behind the art and seeing how they carry themselves enhances the overall work and experience of the audience. Thank you to Professor Lopez, Christian, and my peers for teaching me, learning with me, and creating a safe creative space.