By Erica Roa, April 16, 2024
Lowriders, clown face paint and “prison style” drawings are often associated with Chicano art, perpetuating a limited perception of its depth and complexity. However, contemporary Chicano artists, including students at Cal Poly Pomona, are actively challenging these stereotypes and reshaping the narrative. Through their work, they’re infusing Chicano art with fresh perspectives and influences, contributing to its evolution and its impact on modern art.
For decades, Chicano art has been pigeonholed into narrow stereotypes, overshadowing its true richness and diversity. Yet, at its core, Chicano art encompasses a wide spectrum of styles, themes and influences, reflecting the complex experiences and identities of Chicano communities.
Today, Chicano art not only honors the legacy of those who came before but also reflects the ongoing struggles and triumphs of the Chicano community in the modern world. It serves as a bridge between the past and present, connecting generations and inspiring new forms of cultural expression and identity.
Geo Esparza is the curator of art at the Alley Gallery in Pomona. His work sheds light on Chicano artists aiming to dismantle the stereotypes that are tied to Chicano art.
“Chicano art can be any kind of art,” said Esparza. “People tend to believe there is a certain style but through our gallery we try to show that Chicano art can be anything just as modern art can be perceived as anything.”
Esparza curates pieces in the Alley Gallery that help artists showcase their work as a steppingstone to a broader audience. Whether it be through paintings of an Elotero, Aztec style designs, and photography, he encourages artists to use art as a medium of expression with no limitations.
Students at CPP are also taking it upon themselves to break this continuing barrier. Students like art major, Fernanda Castillo are pushing the boundaries and redefining what it means to be a Chicano artist.
“I take pride in my culture as a Chicana artist, although it doesn’t necessarily define my art, my pieces allow me to express myself freely,” said Castillo.
Castillo creates painted pieces and photographs. She brings to life, painted portraits of the type of food displayed at her specific dinner table and she also captures Hispanic culture in different areas through her photographs. She uses her pieces as a medium of expression and expresses that Chicano artists aren’t limited in what they can create but only illuminated through their talent.
Yamileth Cruz, an art student, explained that art gives her purpose and brings her a sense of fulfillment in life.
“Despite me being a Chicana artist, my art is not at all influenced by the typical Aztec/lowrider style of art,” said Cruz. “Art is about purpose and fulfilling what gives you purpose, and I think every artist is entitled to do what they feel not necessarily what society wants you to feel.”
For Cruz, art transcends cultural expectations and stereotypes, serving as a medium for personal expression and exploration. She rejects the notion that as a Chicana artist, she must adhere to a specific style or subject matter. Instead, Cruz embraces the freedom to create art that resonates with her individual experiences and emotions.
“In art, there is a link to our culture, as seen in portrait with things such as an elotero,” said Esparza. “Corn is a huge staple within our culture, it holds a significant place in our daily existence. An average person would think that the art is based around the dish, but the roots grow deeper than that. By showcasing things like this we reach our underserved communities, offering them the opportunity for a heartfelt connection with the pieces.”
Chicano art emerged in the ‘60s and ‘70s to display individuality and cultural expression, in a time when being brown was frowned upon, according to the Fowler Museum at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Like many things associated with Chicano culture, the stereotypes of gang members or criminals continue to saturate this cultural expression, but some brands are breaking with tradition.
Fashion brands such as Bella Dona LA and Viva La Bonita embrace Chicano culture in its designs, creating clothing and accessories that celebrate cultural pride and empowerment. Bella Dona LA’s streetwear collections feature bold graphics and messages inspired by Chicano Street art and activism, while Viva La Bonita’s apparel empowers Latinas with messages of self-love and resilience.
Everyday products also reflect Chicano art’s influence, from home decor to consumer goods. For example, Chicano-inspired home decor items like throw pillows and wall art often feature iconic Chicano imagery such as lowriders, Virgen de Guadalupe and Aztec motifs. Similarly, brands like Hot Cheetos and Tapatio incorporate Chicano aesthetics in their packaging and marketing, appealing to a diverse consumer base.
The relationship between Chicano art and the current generation is characterized by a sense of cultural resonance and pride. Young people, particularly those of Mexican American descent, embrace Chicano art as a form of cultural expression and identity. They connect with its themes of social justice, resilience and community, finding empowerment in its representation of their lived experiences.
“In using art as a medium to express our culture, we pay homage to the generations before us and stay grounded within our roots,” added Esparza.
Feature image courtesy of Yamalith Garcia