Chicano Movement

In this weeks reading, all three readings have the common issue of the Chicano Movement that soon was the development of Chicano art. The use of Chicano art was used for the struggle to achieve new and more credible human values. All three readings went into depth about the history of the Chicano Movement that captured their history and culture, as well as the art that formed part of the struggle for self-determination. All three readings share a history of art, chicano movement, political movement, and Chicana artist finding themselves during this time period.

In the first reading “Art, Celebration, and Other Popular Traditions”, examines the Chicano popular cultures that were a form of expression. Chicanos have made a mark on American culture through their popular art. One being religious art starting from the conquest, and exploration, and settlements on the New Spain’s northern territories. Religious art form came from traditions that are still relevant today: Santos and Shrines are commonly found among the Chicano families. “Santos are simply images of Holy Family, the crucifix, and other holy persons.” (Tatum 2001) were commonly found within churches but later found themselves in galleries and museums. Shrines which are commonly found in front yards of Chicano neighborhood and also in cemeteries in the United States and Mexico are half-doomed structures used for display generally for a vow or promise. Other popular art such as Mexican murals, graffiti art, low rider art, performance art, and celebrations all provide how their form of art brought socio-political mobilizations throughout the country. Chicanos found their way of putting their history and expressing their cultural values, as protest or for aesthetic value. The art has only evolved over time not only to illustrate current struggles and social issues but also to continue Chicano youth around their culture.

“The Political and Social Contexts of Chicano Art” is a reading that elaborates on the Chicano political movement. The Chicano Movement included Civil Rights, Farmworkers, Vietnam War, and Chicana Artist. From the beginning Chicanos have struggles to affirm in the American Society. The struggles of Chicano/a for equality in the Chicano Movement came post World II, the Vietnam protest movement became of this because of the many Americans that died. “Corky” Gonzalez had spoke at an East Los Angeles antiwar rally which caused the death of Los Angeles Times newsman Ruben Salazar. Moved, chicano artist commemorated these events in murals, films, painting and images. The Chicano Movement was influenced by the Black civil rights “in 1956 when Mrs. Rosa Parks refused to obey