"César el Santo" (2003) – charcoal (conté crayon)
César Estrada Chávez was a farm worker, labor leader, and a civil rights activist who co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA), which later became the United Farm Workers (UFW). His work led to numerous improvements for migrant workers across the U.S. Chávez has become a remarkable symbol – for "Latin@s," community activists, the labor movement, young people, and all who valued his principles and commitment. In the process, he trained a generation of activists who would apply their skills in other communities and struggles.
César Chávez died on April 23, 1993, near his birthplace in Yuma, Arizona. He was 66 years old. His birthday on March 31 has subsequently become a holiday in a handful of U.S. states, and a number of parks, cultural centers, libraries, schools, and streets have been named in his honor in several cities across the United States. Today, Chávez is hailed as the most important "Latin@" leader in U.S. history.
César el Santo is dedicated to Chávez' legacy. To me, César was a wise and saint-like individual. My goal with this drawing was to convey these two ideas in his portrait. To accomplish this, I focused on the detail of his eyes and wrinkles on his face to capture his age, patience, and experience. I also wanted viewers to connect with him by showing a warmness to his aged face. In the background, I placed a halo of light radiating around his head to give César a saint-like quality.
César Chávez died on April 23, 1993, near his birthplace in Yuma, Arizona. He was 66 years old. His birthday on March 31 has subsequently become a holiday in a handful of U.S. states, and a number of parks, cultural centers, libraries, schools, and streets have been named in his honor in several cities across the United States. Today, Chávez is hailed as the most important "Latin@" leader in U.S. history.
César el Santo is dedicated to Chávez' legacy. To me, César was a wise and saint-like individual. My goal with this drawing was to convey these two ideas in his portrait. To accomplish this, I focused on the detail of his eyes and wrinkles on his face to capture his age, patience, and experience. I also wanted viewers to connect with him by showing a warmness to his aged face. In the background, I placed a halo of light radiating around his head to give César a saint-like quality.