Week 10 Blog Post

 After reflecting on the artists we have learned in class I decided to reflect on Barbara Carrasco. Barbara Carrasco is an artist who has a BFA from UCLA. She is also a feminist. In 1982-1990, she was a part of a public art fund that invited contemporary artists to present computer generated work. Barbara created a work called "Pesticides!" which showed the dangers in agribusiness. In 1989, she participated in the Public Art Fund's outdoor computer animation series called Messages to the Public. This program allowed artists the chance to team up with computer programmers and create animated sequences for display on the Spectacolor light board in Time Square. Barbara used this time to show her longtime support of the United Farm Workers. She wanted to continue on with the United Farm Workers boycott efforts and like the United Farm Workers she diversified the methods of spreading awareness. Her project created a shift in resistance media from handmade posters to far reaching digital capabilities. Below, is a picture of Barbara Carrasco and Cesar Chavez standing in front of the Spectacolor lightboard in New York. It is important to remember that digital platforms have not replaced traditional Chicanx art forms but it has helped artists put out different graphic modes to carry out their advocacy for protesting injustice, improving education, cultural self reflection, and solidarity with oppressed populations.

Another piece of art that Barbara created that stood out to me was a lithograph she made of her brother not letting his pregnant wife go to college. This piece shows a woman constrained by yarn. This piece stood out to me because there have been times in my life where I felt I was being controlled and had to do what others wanted me to do. It also reminds me of the old fashioned beliefs that women are expected to give up their dreams in order to make a family. Which is something that I have seen in my family as well. My grandfather did not want my tia to go to college because he believed she should be at home and ready to start a family. However, my tia was able to convince my grandfather into letting her attend college and she has become one of the most successful people in my family (and is married with children). Which goes to show you women can still follow their dreams and have a family. Aside from learning about Barbara Carrasco, one of the most interesting things about the class was getting to do the Wikipedia project. I got to discover an artist and share her pieces with the class and also had the opportunity to learn about my classmates artists. Overall, this class has allowed me to think creatively and find my voice as a Chicanx artist.

 

Week 9 Blog Post

In Deus Ex Machina: Tradition, Technology, and the Chicanafuturist by Catherine S. Ramirez talks about how technology has evolved and the transformation of traditional art forms. The Museum of International Folk Art (MOIFA) had an exhibition called Cyber Arte which incorporated elements of "folk art" and art computer technology. Chicanafuturism is a term drawn from Nelson's definition of Afrofuturism (both terms are similar but different in their own ways). Chicanofuturism is defined as "Chicano cultural production that attends to cultural transformations resulting from new and everyday technologies (including their detritus); that excavates, creates, and alters narratives of identity, technology, and the future, that interrogates the promises of science and technology, and that redefines humanism and the human" (Ramirez, 157-158). African Americans and Chicanos both have been excluded from the Western definition of what is human and have been lowered to the term "infrahuman." While I have heard about Afrofuturism this is my first time hearing about Chicanofuturism. Martinez uses her art to incorporate Hispanas along with science and technology. In addition, Martinez also uses her to challenge classist, racist, and sexist stereotypes. Especially the stereotypes that simplify Hispanas to and keeps them from domains of technology and science. With the help of new technologies, Chicanos and African Americans have been able to link past, present, and future identities. Technology has also allowed Martinez to keep the Santo tradition. Her work is also thought to transform and complicate Hispana along with Chicana cultural identity. Martinez using technology has also allowed for her to "underscore New Mexico's history as a dumping ground for the remnant of twentieth century technology" (Ramirez, 147). According to Ramirez, using the tools of the present has also allowed us to say "who we are" of the past and who we imagine to be in the past. In all, Martinez's Chicanafuturist art shows the need for change. 

Week 8 Blog Post

 One artist I enjoyed listening to from the exhibition was Malaquias Montoya. I enjoyed learning about his life and how he began to understand and gain a sense of pride when the term Chicano was beginning to be implemented. Something that stood out to me that he said was when he mentioned as a child he used to be embarrassed of his mother because she was a farm worker. Then him realizing with the help of Cesar Chavez his mother was contributing to this country's wealth. I found this to be something that is a common issue seen through all walks of life. I have heard some friends and classmates explain before how they used to be embarrassed of their parent's professions. Which is sad because we live in a society that has groomed us into thinking this type of work is an embarrassment. Other artists that stood out to me was Moses Ros Suarez and Favianna Rodriguez. Moses Ros Suarez graffiti especially stood out to me especially since I just read that piece "Graffiti Is Art" for this class. The first graffiti image he showed us that was in homage of his brother Sal and it was beautiful. Given that he is from New York I think it would be interesting to see the differences in graffiti from Los Angeles to New York. Favianna's first art piece that she showed was a butterfly that said "migration is beautiful." She explained she used this to protest President Obama's record breaking deportation and represents the future. I love butterflies so this was especially one of my favorite pieces and hearing the meaning behind it made it so much prettier. In the end, it was also cool to hear all the artists discuss print making and their experiences with it. Most people do not understand how painstaking creating artwork can be. Malaquias especially discussed this when mentioning the pain in his hands.

Week 7 Blog Post

 After reading "Graffiti Is Art" it reminded me of an anthropology class I took my junior year at UCLA. In that class we also did an in depth analysis of graffiti and how it is a type of art that people choose to express themselves and the negative stereotypes that come with it. Charles "Chaz" Bojorquez discusses graffiti and talks about his personal journey with graffiti as well. As stated in the reading graffiti is viewed as ghetto, vandalism, and loss of moral control. Mainly because graffiti is seen in more lower income areas. One part that I think was important that author Bojorquez mentioned was the difference between cholo graffiti and hip hop. Reason being that most people might not know the difference (like myself). Another piece mentioned in the reading that stood out to me was the description of Los Angeles gang wall writings called "placas." I did not know that a placa is written in a contemporary high advertising format consisting of a headline, body, copy, and logo. Graffiti is something I have grew up around and been a part of my life for years. I have people in my family and know friends that do graffiti and I have come to appreciate it very much. As previously stated, most of the time it has negative connotations centered around it but I think it would be great to break past these barriers. It is a way of expression and speaks to what brown individuals face in our barrios. As Bojorquez stated "culture and people are defined by their language." Graffiti is a type of language artists use to express themselves that most people do not understand. Without the analysis and understanding of graffiti it will always be demonized by society.

Week 6 Blog Post- Jessica Jimenez

 Rasquachismo is basically making due with what you have and being resourceful. By making due with what's at hand means that one is using everyday objects/materials. Rasquache can be viewed in a negative way from people in the upper class. Social class is something that plays a role in the United States and Mexico as a signifier of rasquache. To be considered rasquache one is unique and is breaking what is considered "normal." Rasquachismo is viewed as an attitude or taste (its origin actually has a negative connotation meaning you were lower class or having a bad attitude or taste). After learning this term I now realize I have adapted a rasquache attitude growing up. Through lived experiences I have been able to create make shift objects whether that be when creating art, instead of throwing away the empty soap bottle you just add water to the bottle and there is now more soap, or instead of throwing away pants you just ripped you can cut them into shorts or make a cute design. To others outside the Mexican American culture this might seem "ghetto." When in actuality this is basically a method of survival. When I think of rasquache I think of my grandpa because he is always inventive and reminds me that if he were to every run out of something he knows how to survive because he makes due with what he has. Another example of rasquachismo is when I wanted to buy a hair product that would create a perfect bun for you but at the time I did not have the money to buy one so I searched around the house and decided to try a old sock. I cut a hole and rolled it as such to make it look like the hair product I wanted to purchase. The sock worked perfectly and I was able to be resourceful with old items I found in my house.

Week 5 Blog- Virgin of Guadalupe

 Growing up as a Catholic the Virgin of Guadalupe has someone I have always worshiped and seen in my day to day practices. Images of the Virgin of Guadalupe or any other godly images were always something my family embedded into me as sacred and not to be tampered with. As a child I went to a Catholic pre school and high school for a year so Virgin of Guadalupe statues were something I saw everyday on campus. Since I was surrounded by mostly Catholics all my life when I came to UCLA it was interesting learning about my friends other religions/beliefs. My grandmother on my dad's side (who is also very religious) had many pictures and figurines of the Virgin of Guadalupe throughout her house. While I have not seen the Virgin of Guadalupe with my own eyes, she is still someone I believe in very much. I remember one time I was at my tia's house (she is very religious as well) and she had these Virgin of Guadalupe cards. On the back of the cards it gave you instructions on how to see the Virgin of Guadalupe once you close and open your eyes (I do not remember the exact instructions). After reading the instructions I opened my eyes and the Virgin of Guadalupe appeared and seemed as though it was almost embedded into my brain. In addition, if I remember correctly there is a prayer you say that is rumored to give you good luck if you start to notice images of red roses appear. Lastly, a fun fact that I have learned about the Virgin of Guadalupe is that her image is always kept at 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit which is the temperature of the human body.

Week 4 Post- Museum Panel

I enjoyed watching the Printing the Revolution from the Smithsonian American Art museum. The speaker started off by showing the Yo Soy Chicano artwork and introduced other pieces. One thing that always stands out to me now after taking so many Chicano classes is the fact that "Chicano" was once a derogatory term. Seeing how we were able to turn "Chicano" as a cultural and political badge of honor goes to show you how powerful our people are and how we take the cards we are dealt with to progress. Getting to witness these artworks that have set the stage to our movement has been something beautiful to be able to experience. I never realized how big of a role the arts played in leading the farm workers movement. This exhibition highlights many ugly realities we still see today like police brutality and immigration reform. Juan Fuentes mentioned a quote during the discussion that said "one struggle many fronts." This especially stood out to me because I think many immigrants could relate to this. They are facing a single struggle but it comes in many different forms. Another thing that stood out to me was the artwork displaying a androgynous Chicana who had the Virgin Mary on her back with a rose below it (I believe it was Ester's piece). I like this piece because to me it represents feminism in the way her back curves and as Ester pointed out sexuality as well (which both things are still considered taboo to some extent). Lastly, I enjoyed seeing Zeke's artwork because as he stated most of his art caters to youth. By incorporating traditional art techniques and technology makes it easier for youth nowadays to engage and share with others. In all, our youth is our future and pave the way for new trends that help later generations.

Week 3 Blog Post- Cecelia Perez

Wikipedia: Cecelia Perez

 

Cecelia Perez is a self taught artist and entrepreneur. Her full time gig is creating visual art for brands, car people, and other artists. She wants to be known for creating artwork that touches the nostalgic soul, where it reminds you of that one oldies song you have heard in the car or at the thrift store. Where it reminds you of the songs your older cousins listened to in the garage while hanging out and working on their lowriders. Music and art have always been the epicenter of her life and she channeled the lyrics or melodies in the flow of my visual art. Most of it being black and white when she adds colors it packs a good punch.

 

Biography (or Early Life and Education)

Cecelia Perez is originally from Sacramento and currently lives in the San Francisco Peninsula. Cecelia is 25 years old and identifies as a female Chicana and a professional artist. She attended American River College in Sacramento for 3 years. While in school her major switched multiple times from mortuary science, to studio art, and science. Eventually she finally settled with studying just studio art on the last leg of her educated term. Since she was 12 years old she has been mentored by Chicano artists and RCAF members Juanishi Orosco, Esteban Villa, David Razul Sr., and Felipe Davalos. Cecelia and her significant other spend their days helping him project cars, lowriding in San Francisco, helping her package orders from her online store, or riding his horses on the beach. Both of their lifestyles have intertwined and they love it.

 

Art  (or Notable Works or Selected Works. Also Exhibitions, Projects, Collections)

Cecelia has been featured in art shows in Arizona, Los Angeles, Pomona, Sacramento, Oakland, Berkeley, and San Francisco. She has an artwork notably shown with "The Show Case" by Adidas Skateboarding, Vans Vision Walk at Complex Con, Wide Open Walls Mural Festival, and The Grand Roadster Car Show in Pomona, CA.

 

 

References

• https://www.wideopenwalls.com/artists/cecelia-perez/

Further reading

• N/A 

External links

• Instagram- @asspie

Jimenez, Jessica- Week 2 Blog

 After reading Claudia Zapata's essay a question I have formulated is "with all our technological advances happening everyday will all Chicanx artists once traditional modes of creations (political prints, public murals, etc) be completely left in the past?" While yes some new methods that have been created might make the process faster and more efficient it could lose the same nostalgic feeling when creating art. In Zapata's essay she stated, "Garcia viewed digital strategies as part of a commercial practice, that it would corrupt the purity of fine art." This is exactly how I feel about certain things because sometimes when someone does something for so long it almost becomes a tradition. However, I am hopeful that political prints and public murals never lose their place in Chicanx art forms.  Regardless of how Chicanx artists decide to produce their art it is beautiful to see how they are advocating for all the injustices our people have faced. Additionally, one thing that makes Chicanx artists constantly stand out because they do not fall under what is considered "mainstream media" which in reality makes the art much more special. These enhancements in technology help diversify modes of art for these artists and they get to show how well rounded these artists are. Also, these enhancements allow artists to circulate their work more easily since their audience can access these works at the palm of their hand. Incorporating these digital modalities show the many layers of who we are as a community and further proves why Chicanx artists should be recognized more. Chicanx artists having the ability to participate in each technological paradigm shift allows them to be versatile and be able to spread awareness through many different ways. In all, there will always be technological advancements but they do not carry the same weight as traditional modes of art Chicanx artists have used for decades.

Jimenez, Jessica

Hello, my name is Jessica Jimenez and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a senior and my major is Sociology with a minor in Chicano Studies. In addition, I do not have any interest in research (at least I have not found anything that interests me enough to want to research). However, if I had to brainstorm one possible research interest might be on divorced parents and how it affects the child involved. One reason why I am interested in this course is to learn more about Chicana art and artists. I identify as Chicana, so I think it would be good to learn about others like me and learning about other art/artists could open up my own creativity (especially since I want to work in entertainment post grad). Some of the images shown in Carmen Ramos reading I enjoyed a lot because of how unique and powerful they were. As stated in the reading, most of the time these kinds of pieces are overlooked by "mainstream media." Which makes me wonder if a lot of the overlooking has to do with the discrimination our people have faced for many years. The reading also does a good job explaining the meanings of chicano/a/x. Not only are artists creating art that is appealing to the eye, but they have a goal to engage audiences. In the Linda Nochlin reading, a quote that stood out to me was "there are no great women artists because women are incapable of greatness." This quote saddens me because there are people out there who think like this. Which further validates to me why it is important to learn about these artists so maybe as a society we can figure out why Chicanx individuals are overlooked and why there has to be a difference in women's greatness and men's.