Chicano Visions: American Painters
on the Verge is a landmark art exhibition presenting the works of
a wide range of the country's Chicano and Chicana artists. Veteran
artist, curator and facilitator Rene Yáñez curates
the unparalleled exhibition, which is predominately comprised of
pieces from actor/entertainer Cheech Marin's private collection.
Featuring the work of 26 artists, Chicano Visions is one of the
most powerful Chicano art exhibitions to travel nationwide.
The majority of Chicano Visions: American Painters
on the Verge is comprised of paintings of oil or acrylic on canvas,
and pastel drawings. The works, which present images of urban life
and the Chicano experience, date between 1969 and 2001.
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 artist largely worked alone and without encouragement or
acknowledgment 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 if 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 "canvases."
In the past few decades, Chicano artist have emerged
as powerful agents of change and drive. Figures such as Carlos Almaraz,
Frank Romero, Gronk, Patssi Valdez, Geroge Yepes, Rupert Garcia,
Leo Limon, Margaret Garcia, and Eloy Torres. 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.
Chicano Visions presents the diverse heritage of
Chicano culture-a political and social statement among many people
of Mexican descent. "We're presenting our interpretation of
the Chicano experience to the American people," says Marin.
" I want all Americans to understand that Chicano culture plays
a big part in the patchwork quilt that is Americana. The contributions
of Chicanos have been so enormous, but they tend to be overlooked."
Chicano Visions is presented by Target Stores,
sponsored by Hewlett-Packard Company and produced by Clear Channel
Exhibitions. Additional support for the exhibition's display at
the Weisman Art Museum is provided by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
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