"CHICANO!" (2013) – acrylic paint
The word "Chicano" (sometimes spelled "Xicano") started out as a derogatory slang term and is now used to describe a politicized Mexican-American. Many believe it’s a derivative of the words “Mexica” (the rulers of the Aztec empire) and a shortened form of “Mexicano”. By labeling yourself a Chicano or Chicana, you are declaring that you understand your roots and that you reject the idea of assimilation. The term became popular during the Chicano Movement of the 1960s which sought political, economic, social, and (most importantly) cultural empowerment. This civil rights struggle protested against the racism, discrimination, exploitation, and the historical oppression of people of Mexican descent in the United States. The Chicano Movement viewed Chicanos as united on the basis of a common life experience, pride in heritage, and culture; rather than on a basis of socio-economic status and/or education. The Movement reawakened a new consciousness of cultural identity and community, in which Chicano pride became an important element. It was a full-fledged, politicized transformation of the way Mexican-Americans viewed and promoted their culture.
CHICANO! is a homage to the Chicano Movement – my biggest inspiration as a cultural, historical, and political artist. Using my own clenched fist as a reference, CHICANO! is painted with acrylics on a large wooden panel. The giant, raised fist (a universal symbol of human empowerment) represents unity, solidarity, and strength. The word "CHICANO!" is painted underneath it as a statement, rather than a title. Behind the brown fist can be seen the colors of the Mexican flag, with the red revolutionary star and the alternating green rays in the background.
CHICANO! is a homage to the Chicano Movement – my biggest inspiration as a cultural, historical, and political artist. Using my own clenched fist as a reference, CHICANO! is painted with acrylics on a large wooden panel. The giant, raised fist (a universal symbol of human empowerment) represents unity, solidarity, and strength. The word "CHICANO!" is painted underneath it as a statement, rather than a title. Behind the brown fist can be seen the colors of the Mexican flag, with the red revolutionary star and the alternating green rays in the background.