Arroyo, Cristina (Week 10)

 Over the course of the last 10 weeks I become more and more grateful for the opportunity to learn about Chicana/x artists in such a unique setting. It is extremely rare to be able to learn about the Chicanx community in an academic setting, and I am glad that this course is able to highlight Chicanas in my community. During my interview with my artist, she was interested after I explained the nature of the course and expressed that she wished she had the opportunity to take a course like this one. After hearing, researching, and learning about so many artists it is difficult to choose only one that stood out to me because they all did in one way or another. However, the one I would like to highlight is Xandra Ibarra. Her art included several pieces that I was completely shocked to see, but simultaneously intrigued to learn more about. From The Rag to her performances, her pieces made me even more interested in her artistic process and how it impacts her. I appreciate her guest lecture presentation where she went in depth about how it impacts her. She was honest about how the performances and how they can be draining. I was surprised, but completely understanding how some of her performances and artistic choices could feel repetitive and lack luster after a period of time. She emphasized resting from these performances and clothing and how in the process of retiring them, it turned into another artistic demonstration that she labeled as an exoskeleton. As growth, as change, similar to that of insects and other animals. Overall the experience was great and it’s always interesting to hear from the artists in addition to seeing their work. 

Arroyo, Cristina (Week 9 Presentations)

Similar to last week, I was completely impressed with the artists presented by my classmates. Prior to enrolling in this class, I was unfamiliar with the wide variety of artists within the Chicanx community. When I thought of Mexican/Chicanx artists I typically thought of the same handful of artists that we always learn and hear about. I appreciate the efforts of this class in highlighting the work of these artists in my community that I probably would have never heard about. 

The artist that I would like to highlight this week is Martha Ramirez-Oropeza. I was fortunate enough to take 2 of her classes here at UCLA last year and I always admired her work. She occasionally mentioned it in class, but I don't think I ever put it into perspective how talented she is. After seeing the presentation on her work, I did my own brief research and looked into some of her other paintings/murals. I was completely amazed by her attention to detail and specifically how she honors indigenous communities. The way she creates scenes and highlights the culture in her work reminded me of the knowledge she shared with us during class about the richness of the culture in indigenous communities. I believe this is also why I appreciate her art a bit more, because I am aware of her deep understanding and appreciation for the communities. She does not only use them as inspiration, but makes efforts to learn from them and to spread that information with students on campus. The use of golden tones and the contrast with darker shades and shadows is seen as a recurring theme in her work. As the audience I appreciate the warmth in the images and how there’s always something new to focus on and to analyze.

Arroyo, Cristina (Week 8 Presentations)

 The presentations last week have been one of the highlights of this course for me. It was a great experience being able to learn about everyone’s artists and having the opportunity to view their art as part of a lecture. It was also extremely interesting to see how individuals perceive and analyze the art in different ways based on their own experiences and lenses. 

One of the artists that stood out to me was Mel “Melo” Dominguez. As stated in the lecture, he is a muralist from Los Angeles, but now located in Tucson. However, he has taken his advocacy everywhere he goes. I appreciated how he uses his art as a form of expression as well as activism. The use of vibrant colors to portray traditional Mexican culture, such as papel picado, ofrendas, and the vestuarios of baile folklorico. His art definitely highlights the beauty of the culture and I believe impacts his audience in a positive way.  My favorite image was the All Souls Procession image. It gives the illusion of an ofrenda, however as stated in the title it is a parade. It is apparent that he pays close attention to detail as you can see in the image the several souls that participate in the procession. Some appear as Frankensteinesque while others appear to look more traditional wearing the mariachi vestuario and even one that appears to look like a woman sewing. The piece, although to some may appear as morbid considering the amount of skeletons and souls, but I think it does a great representation of the dualism that is the Day of the Dead. A day that in our culture celebrates our passed loved ones and allows us to appreciate the cycle of life. Not necessarily as the end of life, but rather a continuation of it. 

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. 

Arroyo, Cristina (Week 6, Xandra Ibarra)

 

Before looking into Xandra Ibarra’s website, I knew very little about her work and artistic style. After browsing through her artwork, I was quite literally shocked by some of her works. It is apparent that she has a unique vision when it comes to her art and I would go as far as to say that she intends to take her audience outside of their comfort zone. She uses representational images and it appears she likes to tackle topics and images that tend to be taboo topics amongst traditional cultures. From erotic imagery, images of genitilia, and my personal favorite was this image “She’s on the Rag” in which she shares images inspired by menstrual cycles. Ibarra took it even further by using her own menstrual emissions to create these pieces. The menstrual cycle is typically a taboo subject among women and those who menstruate. There is often a shyness when discussing it in public, and oftentimes even discussing it with medical professionals. When I first saw this work I did feel a bit uncomfortable and uneasy, especially after reading the means by which it was created. After analyzing the image and processing my thoughts however, I have come to appreciate the vision Ibarra has and how she confidently created and presents this piece. The human body has so many functions and as women we experience so many physically and emotionally debilitating effects from our menstrual cycles. We often forget how we strongly overcome those difficulties and we forget how to feel confident while on our cycles. This piece of work contradicts that. It represents how powerful, strong and confident our bodies are and how this should be independent of what society deems taboo or not. Even when on our cycles we should be reminded of how unique and strong we are.

Arroyo, Cristina (Week 5 Carmen Lomas Garza)

 

This image by Carmen Lomas Garza, called Sandia/Watermelon on page 50, was one of the images that caught my attention the most because it reminds me of my childhood. Lomas Garza made it a point to emphasize the familial dynamic in this image as they share an evening and some watermelon together. She highlights the fact that the heart of the watermelon is the sweetest and best part, and how parents often refer to their children as “un pedazo de su corazón”, the best part. I have vivid memories of a similar practice in my own family. On cooler summer evenings my family and neighbors would often gather outside to talk and spend time together. As we spent these evenings together we often shared fruit, watermelon amongst the most frequent because it is in season at the time. In the image, I can almost feel the cool breeze after a hot afternoon, the buzzing of the mosquitos, and it’s almost as if I can hear the laughter of the conversations. The image of the older woman, perhaps a grandmother, and an older gentleman, possibly the grandfather, surrounded by their grandchildren and family also reminds me of my childhood with my grandparents. The simplicity of sharing some time and food is one of the most important aspects of my life with my loved ones and this image highlights that perfectly. These memories of spending time together, sharing sweet fruit, on an afternoon after some of the hottest days are the ones that make me smile, years later. I love spending time with my family and loved ones and to see an image that closely resembles those memories is heartwarming. It also reiterates this theme of family togetherness, and how it is shared amongst different cultures, backgrounds, and walks of life. 

Arroyo, Cristina (Week 5 Wiki Rough Draft)

 Josie Del Castillo

Josie Del Castillo is a painter, recognized for her figurative approach to her artwork. She specifically references her real life experiences, locations, and body in her work with an emphasis on her mental health and identity. 

Biography

Josie Del Castillo was born and grew up in a border town, specifically Brownsville, Texas. The location of her upbringing, and her identity as Mexican-American/Chicana has played a significant role on how she views and represents this culture in her art. 

(Currently in the process of setting up a time to get more information on biography/upbringing)

Art 

• “Don’t Touch Me I am Sensitive”

  

• “I am Fine, It’s Just My Anxiety”

• “Healing, Learning, and Growing”

  

• “Personal Growth”

• “Restrained Emotions” 

• “La Savila”

References 

• Amanda A. Taylor, The Newsroom-UTRGV MFA Student Finalist in AXA Art Prize, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, www.utrgv.edu/newsroom/2019/09/05- utrgv-mfa-student-finalist-in-axa-art-prize.htm.

• Ester Navarro, “The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.” Alumni Pay Tribute to Former Mentor through Art Exhibition, 14 Jan. 2019. www.utrgv.edu/newsroom/2019/01/04-alumni-pay-tribute-to- former-mentor- through-art-exhibition.htm.

Further Reading 

• "Brownsville Painter Josie Del Castillo Talks Beauty Standards, Mental Health & The Valley." New Houston Music Outlet. September 30, 2018. http://www.newhoustonmusic.com/2018/09/16/brownsville-artist-josie-del-castillo- talks-american-beauty-standards-mental-health-the-valley/.

• Cortez, Mario A. “Art Gallery: 40 Emerging, Texas-Based Artists to Know: Art, Culture.” Remezcla, 7 Dec. 2020, remezcla.com/features/culture/tejas-made-art-gallery/

External Links 

• https://josiedelcastillo.com (Artist’s Personal Website) 

• https://www.latinobookreview.com/list-of-authors--artists-selected-to-be-published-in-latino-book-review-magazine.html (Honorable Mention)

Arroyo, Cristina (Week 4 Rasquachismo)

 The concept of rasquachismo, as explained by Tomas Ibarra-Frausto, is similar to the concept of making the most with what you have. It is an “attitude or taste” that develops from a way of living, of choosing to elevate what one has and to make it useful and to one’s taste. I did not fully understand this concept until completing the reading and then I came to realize that I can see this approach to life in my own family and culture. The way my mom reuses grocery store bags as trash bags, or anything that needs a bag really, to the way my dad uses old containers and bottles for his plants and tools. Some may view this as frugal, but it is an adaptation to life and to a childhood they once had. Perhaps it could be because they grew up poor, with few resources and they became accustomed to making the most of what they had, perhaps it could be because they realize it is often better for our environment, or it really could just be because that’s the way they like to do things. I like to think it’s a combination of the three. I’ve learned to appreciate these practices. So much so that now I do them too. In my apartment I also reuse plastic bags and old containers for food like my mom does, I reuse glass bottles and containers for my plants the way my dad does too. It’s become a practice, not out of necessity but from custom and enjoyment. It reminds me of home and makes my own apartment feel like home away from home. Interestingly, in recent times some of these practices are seen in pop culture. From DIY videos, to upcycling, even the concept of thrifting all circles back to this concept of rasquachismo. Unfortunately our practices within our communities are often looked down upon until they become trendy enough for the next influencer to adopt and the rest of the upper class to follow.

Arroyo, Cristina (Josie Del Castillo Abstract)

 

1. Artist’s professional website: https://josiedelcastillo.com

1. The artist provides her audience with images of her artwork, professional portfolio, and a brief introduction to her background. She describes her work and dives into where she draws some of her inspiration for her work. She also provides her contact information and gives the audience access to comment and share thoughts on her work. 

2. “A Q&A with Artist Josie Del Castillo” by San Antonio 

1. In this interview with the artist, the conversation navigates where Del Castillo finds inspiration for her artwork. From her hometown in Brownsville, Texas, to plants, and even in her own struggles with mental health Del Castillo incorporates these diverse themes. She shares her struggle navigating her artistic style and incorporating her Mexican culture in a non-cliche, stereotypical manner. Her experiences and her mentors, she shares, have shaped the direction of her artistic expression. 

3. The University of Texas Del Rio Grande: https://www.utrgv.edu/en-us/student-experience/profiles-in-excellence/2020/josie-del-castillo/index.htm

1. In this student highlight on the University’s website, the school highlights Josie Del Castillo the last year of her Masters program. In an interview style report, the school asks Del Castillo to elaborate on her choice to major in Art and her aspirations post graduation. She shares her passion for art as a significant influence and she hopes to pursue a career as an art professor. Del Castillo also shares her struggles with mental health during the pandemic and advises others to hold on to the simplicity of life during similar difficult times. She also highlights her Mexican heritage and highlights its impact it has on her artwork.

Arroyo, Cristina (Week 3)

 

My memories of La Virgen de Guadalupe come early on in my childhood. Ever since I could remember her image was displayed in my home, at the homes of relatives, in church, on jewelry, on blankets, and now even on the necklace that I have worn for the past 10 years. Her symbol and significance in my Mexican family's culture has been very prominent in both our most difficult and happiest of times. I have vivid memories of my mom telling me when my father was detained by ICE to pray to her and other saints for his safe return. Even more vividly I remember my family visiting the cathedral in Los Angeles after his last immigration court date when the judge granted him his worker's permit indefinitely until he became a resident. Specifically, to give her thanks. 

On a lighter note, I also grew up watching La Rosa De Guadalupe throughout my childhood. The way a novela-like plot seems to be solved fluently by the help of a white rose and La Virgen’s help can be very easy to binge watch. However, it is important to note the undeal standards the image and culture that surrounds La Virgen can impose on young women. I do appreciate and respect her still, I still believe in Catholicism, but on my own terms and interpretations. 

I have grown to acknowledge the importance of my own interpretation of faith and religion in contrast to that of traditional interpretations. I still wear her on my neck, I still pray to her for help and guidance, but in my own way and I think that independence is part of what she symbolizes to me. It’s always interesting to see how everyone has similar, yet completely different recollections of how her symbol has played a role in their lives.

Arroyo, Cristina

1.  Josie Del Castillo 

Arroyo, Cristina (Cristina)

 

Hi everyone! My name is Cristina Arroyo, pronouns she/her/hers and I am a fourth year double majoring  in Chicana/o/x & Central American Studies and Sociology. I was born and raised in Santa Ana, Ca, but my parents are from Michoacán. Like many of you, I'm sure, I did not learn about Mexican/Chicanx/Latine history throughout my public education years until I began to attend UCLA. As a result, I decided to major in the department to learn as much as I could throughout my undergrad. I love learning about the culture through art and the way different artists choose to express their thoughts and feelings with their audience.

I find that in my experience within my Mexican culture the expression of emotions and feelings tends to be a taboo topic which can lead to internal struggles as well as generational trauma. Mental health journeys can be difficult to navigate and I love that art can often be a tool that can help. I hope to pursue a Masters in Social Work in order to later become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I believe that my experiences as a first-generation, Latina woman will provide assistance to others who may have encountered struggles similar to mine. I also hope to create safe spaces for individuals to have these challenging conversations and navigate their mental health journeys. 

This class peaked my interest because of the emphasis on the Chicana experience and expression through art. The women's experience is way too often overlooked, overshadowed, and ignored altogether. I hope to learn about these experiences and apply the interpretations into my own life and future work. The act of conversation is one of the most important interactions we can have and I look forward to discussing the artwork and readings of this class with you all.