On 2008-02-18 DWD, Indianapolis, IN wrote: I caught this exhibition at the Indiana State Museum while it was on a nationwide tour. It was so interesting that I took full advantage of my museum membership and came back and saw it several times while it was here in Indianapolis. I picked up the book as the exhibit was winding down but only recently read the well-written introductory essays that make up the first 35 pages or so of the book.
Cheech Marin has created a high-quality full color text of this travelling show which is mostly comprised of pieces from his own personal collection. Marin´s taste tends to run towards political art, but there is plenty that speaks of life for artists who are both Chicano and American, as the exhibition title (also the book title) imply.
Artists that grabbed my attention include:
Carlos Almaraz - his car crash paintings were gigantic attention getters in the gallaries. His other works are great as well.
David Botello - his Monet-like style is fascinating.
One of the best paintings may well be ´Janine at 39, Mother of Twins´ by Margaret Garcia. Cheech Marin´s comment on page 67 hits it on the head: ´If there is a visual definition of the lushness, the strength, and the beauty of women, this painting is it.´
Cesar Martinez´s ´Hombre que le Gustan las Mujeres (The Man who Loves Women)´ is funny and a sadly realistic portrayal of the ways that men see women.
Patssi Valdez was the painter that stole the show in Indianapolis, at least from the comments I heard. Her pictures are so bright and have the power to mae the viewer feel as though he or she is being drawn in to the canvas, especially with works like ´Room on the Verge.´ Another painting of hers graces the cover of the book.
I did not care for the works of a couple of established artists: Gronk and Mel Casas. The Casas pieces in this show seemed less like a work of art and more like very large, not very clever political cartoons. That being said, it was entirely appropriate to include their works considering their standing in the Chicano art movement.. And summed up by saying A great collection, a terrific exhibition. Currently Chicano Visions: American Painters on the Verge has an overall rating of 10 over 10.
Chicano Visions: American Painters on the Verge can also be found in the following searches:
Bulfinch claimed Cheech Marin, well known for his three decades of work as a comedian, actor, director, and musician, has long championed Chicano artists and been a collector of their work. This breakthrough publication will be available in both hardcover and paperback formats. The exhibition features Marin´s collection of over 30 artists´ work, and their paintings that depict Hispanic culture, religion, and politics with brilliant color and emotion. Incisive essays by leading scholars describe the origins of Chicano art. In the same way that Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo redefined our understanding and appreciation of Mexican art, Chicano artists such as Gronk, Patssi Valdez, and Carlos Almaraz are putting Chicano art on the cutting edge of contemporary art.
Item that are similar to Chicano Visions: American Painters on the Verge can be found at: