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Chicano Visions: American Painters on the Verge is the most comprehensive
survey of a remarkably dynamic, and growing body of work. The Chicano
art movement was developed outside the national and international
spotlights, mainly in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay area, San
Antonio, and other cities in south Texas. Early on, when making
a name for themselves in the 1970s, Chicano artists largely worked
alone and without encouragement or acknowledgement from the art
community. In time, a few important groups such as Los Four, Asco,
and Con Safo created a sense of identity and cohesion. But it was
city life-the barrio and the street itself-that provided the ultimate
stimulus and common ground for these artists, who used city walls
as their first "canvas." In the past few decades, Chicano
artists have emerged as powerful agents of change and drive. Figures
such as Carlos Almaraz, Mel Casas, Carmen Lomas Garza, Gronk, Wayne
Healy, Adan Hernåndez, Leo Limon, Frank Romero, John Valadez,
Patssi Valdez, and Vincent Valdez are among the twenty-six artists
showcased in this exhibition.
Cheech Marin, best known as an actor, performer,
and philanthropist, is the country's foremost collector of Chicano
art. Over the years, Marin has not only actively worked to support
Chicano artists but has become their friend and most ardent spokesperson.
At the core of Chicano Vision is a portfolio of ninety-six stunning
paintings, largely drawn from Marin's own collection.
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