Revolution of Mind and Heart

Introduction: There are many different reasons why artists create art. This can range from sculpture art to paintings to music. Art can tell many different stories and leave different impacts. This exhibit titled Revolution of Mind and Heart, named after a famous Cesar Chavez quote, is a curation of some of the best works of art in recent history. This exhibit contains art that portrays the theme of resistance. The creation of this art is also an act of resistance.

Revolution of Mind and Heart

Resistance in Chicanx Art After the Civil Rights Movement

By: Sashel Garner

Eric Almanza’s art frequently deals with the theme of resistance. The painting In Search of a New Home by Eric Almanza illustrates a familiar scene for many Chicanos in the USA, and a primary reason for resistant action. This work shows a painful part of the Chicano experience. Crossing the border is an act of resistance against the conditions people suffer under. They choose to take this major risk to their safety and future in search of a better life. In the Discussion page, Brandon Rivas-Gramajo, wrote, ”Even at first glance I knew what issue was at the heart of this painting, as it is an issue that I hold close to my heart due to my family’s history.” This shows that this art conveys a shared experience which strengthens their motivation to resist the current system because it upholds the conditions that force Chicano people to take these deadly risks.

In Search of a New Home (2012) by Eric Almanza

Ester Hernandez is a successful Chicana artist who frequently portrays latina and native women. Sun Mad by Ester Hernandez is an altered version of the branding of a popular label, Sun-Maid, found in many households and stores. This portrays resistance against conditions because the artist purposely changed the commonly recognized label as a way to raise awareness of the poor conditions of the grape farmers and the dangerous chemicals being used in the food. Artists can show resistance with their art, but this is an example of how creating art is, in itself, an act of resistance because it can challenge the status quo by agitating an audience. In the Discussion page, Brandon Rivas-Gramajo, wrote: ”The issues at hand here are how mistreated the farm workers usually are, and how they are exposed to many pesticides that will indubitably harm their long term health.” Showing this issue through artistic means presents an uncomfortable truth to the public in a digestible way that will stick with them.

Sun Mad (1982) by Ester Hernandez

Frank Romero, a member of the important art group Los Four, is a popular chicano artist. Arrest of the Paleteros, by Frank Romero, is an intense painting of the violence faced by chicanos. This work relates to resistance because it is not a portrayal of resistance, but an example of the reasons resistance is necessary. In the Discussion page, Erik Balians writes, ”Other than his work ‘The Arrest of the Paleteros’ his other work, such as ‘Death of Rubén Salazar,’ confronts the harsh realities faced by the Chicano community, from police violence to cultural erasure, while celebrating the resilience and vitality of this community.” Showing these “harsh realities” is a way for the artist to show that they don’t agree with the way things are occurring, which is how they push back on current conditions. Romero’s art is a reminder of the importance of Chicanos in our society and the troubles they have faced throughout history and into the present.

Arrest of the Paleteros (2005) by Frank Romero

Linda Vallejo has been featured in many art shows during her 50+ years working as an artist. Make ‘Em All Mexican is a series by Linda Vallejo containing portrayals of many prominent figures and popular works of art, which have had their appearance changed to have darker skin. This art is an act of resistance because it, like Sun Mad, takes a popular and beloved symbol or figure and alters it to deliver a message. It intentionally changes a familiar image to go against the audience’s expectations and uses this to send a message of reclaiming Chicano identity. In the Discussion page, Michael Sadek, wrote, ”Furthermore, her collaborations with community members and engagement in social justice movements exemplify how her art mobilizes and activates communities towards collective action.” This ties into the theme of resistance in Vallejo’s art by making a connection between the social justice work of her past and the artistic career she has now.

Make ‘Em All Mexican (2013) by Linda Vallejo

Revolution of Mind and Heart

Conclusion: “Revolution of Mind and Heart” is a must-see exhibit. It offers a glimpse into the stories of 4 prominent Chicano artists who have seen hardship and chosen to rise up above it, expressing their pride, strength, and most importantly, resistance in ways that only they can. Their works of art are beautiful and create raw emotion as they share the truths of Chicano life throughout history. From scenes of violence to challenging the status quo, these four artists have demonstrated that they will resist the power of those who wish to erase them and they will not allow themselves and their people to be silenced or erased.

Revolution of Mind and Heart

Resistance in Chicanx Art After the Civil Rights Movement

Scene 03

Frank Romero, a member of the important art group Los Four, is a popular chicano artist. Arrest of the Paleteros, by Frank Romero, is an intense painting of the violence faced by chicanos. This work relates to resistance because it is not a portrayal of resistance, but an example of the reasons resistance is necessary. In the Discussion page, Erik Balians writes, ”Other than his work ‘The Arrest of the Paleteros’ his other work, such as ‘Death of Rubén Salazar,’ confronts the harsh realities faced by the Chicano community, from police violence to cultural erasure, while celebrating the resilience and vitality of this community.” Showing these “harsh realities” is a way for the artist to show that they don’t agree with the way things are occurring, which is how they push back on current conditions. Romero’s art is a reminder of the importance of Chicanos in our society and the troubles they have faced throughout history and into the present.

Eric Almanza’s art frequently deals with the theme of resistance. The painting In Search of a New Home by Eric Almanza illustrates a familiar scene for many Chicanos in the USA, and a primary reason for resistant action. This work shows a painful part of the Chicano experience. Crossing the border is an act of resistance against the conditions people suffer under. They choose to take this major risk to their safety and future in search of a better life. In the Discussion page, Brandon Rivas-Gramajo, wrote, ”Even at first glance I knew what issue was at the heart of this painting, as it is an issue that I hold close to my heart due to my family’s history.” This shows that this art conveys a shared experience which strengthens their motivation to resist the current system because it upholds the conditions that force Chicano people to take these deadly risks.

Scene 01

Scene 02

Ester Hernandez is a successful Chicana artist who frequently portrays latina and native women. Sun Mad by Ester Hernandez is an altered version of the branding of a popular label, Sun-Maid, found in many households and stores. This portrays resistance against conditions because the artist purposely changed the commonly recognized label as a way to raise awareness of the poor conditions of the grape farmers and the dangerous chemicals being used in the food. Artists can show resistance with their art, but this is an example of how creating art is, in itself, an act of resistance because it can challenge the status quo by agitating an audience. In the Discussion page, Brandon Rivas-Gramajo, wrote: ”The issues at hand here are how mistreated the farm workers usually are, and how they are exposed to many pesticides that will indubitably harm their long term health.” Showing this issue through artistic means presents an uncomfortable truth to the public in a digestible way that will stick with them.

Scene 04

Linda Vallejo has been featured in many art shows during her 50+ years working as an artist. Make ‘Em All Mexican is a series by Linda Vallejo containing portrayals of many prominent figures and popular works of art, which have had their appearance changed to have darker skin. This art is an act of resistance because it, like Sun Mad, takes a popular and beloved symbol or figure and alters it to deliver a message. It intentionally changes a familiar image to go against the audience’s expectations and uses this to send a message of reclaiming Chicano identity. In the Discussion page, Michael Sadek, wrote, ”Furthermore, her collaborations with community members and engagement in social justice movements exemplify how her art mobilizes and activates communities towards collective action.” This ties into the theme of resistance in Vallejo’s art by making a connection between the social justice work of her past and the artistic career she has now.