Mesoamerican Art

Rooted in pre-Columbian civilizations like the Aztec and Maya, Mesoamerican art includes iconic sculptures, pottery, and murals often depicting religious themes and mythological figures.


Colonial Art

Arising from the Spanish colonization, this art features a blend of European and indigenous influences. Baroque-style churches, religious paintings, and retablos (ornate altarpieces) are characteristic of this period.


Folk Art (Artesanía)

Reflecting regional traditions, folk art encompasses a wide range of crafts such as ceramics, textiles, papier-mâché, and alebrijes (colorful, fantastical sculptures).


Spearheaded by artists like Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and José Clemente Orozco, muralism emerged after the Mexican Revolution. Murals often depict social, political, and historical themes, emphasizing national identity.

Muralism


Mexico has a vibrant contemporary art scene with artists exploring various mediums and styles. Contemporary Mexican art often addresses socio-political issues, identity, and globalization.

Contemporary Art


Artists like José Guadalupe Posada and the Taller de Gráfica Popular have significantly contributed to the development of printmaking, creating iconic images such as calaveras (skeletons) associated with Dia de los Muertos.

Printmaking


Mexico has a rich tradition of textile arts, including intricate weaving and embroidery. Each region has distinct textile styles and techniques, reflecting local customs and beliefs.

Textile Arts


Contemporary Mexican photographers explore diverse themes, from documenting daily life to addressing social issues. Tina Modotti and Manuel Álvarez Bravo are notable figures in Mexican photography.

Photography


Mexican artists have participated in various modern art movements such as Surrealism and abstraction. Artists like Rufino Tamayo exemplify these influences.

Modern Arts Movement


The Chicano arts movement represents a distinct subsegment within Mexican American and Latinx art. Emerging from the Chicano Movement in the 1960s and 1970s, Chicano art reflects the experiences, struggles, and cultural identity of Mexican Americans living in the United States. Here's how Chicano art fits into the broader context of Mexican art:

Social and Political Themes: Chicano art often addresses social and     political   issues, including civil rights, immigration, identity, and economic disparities. Artists use   their work to voice the experiences of the Chicano community and advocate for social change.

Muralism Tradition: Inspired by the Mexican muralism movement, Chicano artists, such as David Alfaro Siqueiros and Diego Rivera, incorporate mural painting as a powerful means of public expression. Murals are used to reclaim public spaces and convey messages of pride and resistance.


Identity and Cultural Expression:
Chicano art explores the complexities of identity, cultural hybridity, and the negotiation of dual heritage. Artists often fuse traditional Mexican imagery with contemporary symbols, creating a unique visual language.


Lowrider Culture:
Chicano art is closely associated with lowrider culture, which includes customized cars with intricate paintwork. Lowrider art often mirrors the vibrant and intricate designs found in other forms of Chicano artistic expression.


 Printmaking and Poster Art: Chicano artists have a strong tradition of printmaking, producing posters, graphics, and illustrations that convey political messages and cultural pride. This tradition is rooted in Mexican graphic arts, particularly the works of artists like José Guadalupe Posada.


Performance Art and Activism: Chicano artists engage in performance art as a form of activism. Performances, installations, and public interventions are used to confront societal issues and challenge stereotypes.


 Cultural Symbols and Icons: Chicano art incorporates symbolic elements like calaveras (skulls), Virgen de Guadalupe, and Aztec imagery. These symbols are reinterpreted to convey specific Chicano experiences and narratives.


 Community Engagement: Chicano art often involves community participation, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the Chicano Movement. Artists work within and for their communities, contributing to a sense of empowerment and collective identity.


Chicano art, while distinct, is connected to broader Mexican art traditions, drawing inspiration from Mexico's cultural heritage. It is a dynamic and evolving expression that continues to play a vital role in shaping the visual language of the Chicano community in the United States.

Chicano Art Movement


I hope this short overview gives you a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural history of Mexicana and Mexican American Art that has influenced and informed my choices around imagery, compositional structure, and style; artistic elements that have been reflected in my visually compelling creative works for the past two+ decades. 

I look forward to working with you on creating new and exciting works of art aimed at not only touching the hearts and lives of audiences today and for many years to come, but also aimed at being an important and powerful part of the formula you’ll use to help promote the building of more inclusive, engaged and vibrant community for us all to enjoy.