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US Latinx Activism and Protests: From the Farm to the (Legislative) Table Art produced during the Chicanx Movement Abstract: In the midst of change, The Chicanx Movement was a monumental time for Mexican Americans in the United States during the late 1960s. The movement addressed the social, economic, and political inequalities experienced by Mexican Americans across the nation. Aimed to celebrate and acknowledge cultural pride and identity, the movement also sought to reclaim and celebrate Mexican and Mexican American history, art, and culture. The Chicanx Movement played a significant role in shaping the Latino identity and influencing subsequent social justice movements, and the artwork produced during this time allowed for many to voice their opinions on the political and social climate of the U.S during the time. LA Demonstrations During the Chicano Movement Abstract: The Chicano Movement was a movement that involved Mexican-Americans all over the United States and was a crucial component to establishing civil rights for Latinos. While Chicanos living in the United States were at the focal point of discrimination in society, they figured that it was best to come together and establish a sense of familiarity in order to combat these racial remarks and disadvantages. To spark attention to their cause and movement, many Chicanos participated in numerous demonstrations and while many were peaceful, many considered them as radical. By Steve, Lexi, and Ricardo Bracero Program In this project we will be analyzing a number of facets of the Bracero Program with a specific focus on the causes, on both sides of the border, which culminated in the agreement. Consequently, we will explore the historical context of the US and Mexico of the first half of the twentieth century, including the impact of the Mexican Revolution as well as the dire situation brought about by the second world war. By utilizing this basis we will then analyze the “migration aspect” entailed by the program, travel from Mexico to the US and various territories. Not only as an in depth look at the agreement, but also as a necessary foundation. One which will permit the Bracero Program to be positioned in history, while simultaneously deepening the exposition and understanding of a largely forgotten case of large-scale abuse and exploitation. We anticipate this will form the backbone of the examination of bracero experiences: first-hand accounts and testimonials.. By Fernando, Joy and Lizeth Guatemalan Genocide & Its Dark Truth This page will focus on the Guatemalan genocide, a period of brutal violence that brought tremendous adversity to those indigenous communities residing in the rural areas of Guatemala. It will provide details regarding the atrocities that the Mayan people experienced, the trauma that was left behind, and the hardships that they continue to face today. Furthermore, it will demonstrate how this heinous period of history fostered activism and social movements in Guatemala. By Paola Chavarria and & Aurora Nieves Chicano Farm Worker Movement In this project, we will be discussing about the Chicano Farm Worker Movement and how it brought change to not only farm workers but to society as a whole. We will be focused on the working conditions of farm workers prior and after the movement, notable or influential leaders, and the communities that were fueling the movement. By examining their struggles, successes, and legacy, we wanted to provide a better understanding of the process needed to advocate and bring forth social change for a marginalized group of people. Last, we wanted to remove stereotypes and other misconceptions about the movement in creating a more equitable society. Por: Justin Bui, Kristi Kang, Jenniffer Young Las "Brujas" Feministas: Magazines, Art, and Television This project intends to provide a comprehensive analysis of women's representation in different mediums such as art, television, and fanzines. In this way, the goal is to understand the gender stereotypes that women have had to overcome from a feminist perspective. Through this discussion, the hope is to amplify women's voices to promote inclusive and equitable representation in society. By Claudia Mejia, Janet Landa, Diana Andrade Walkouts and Protests in Los Angeles On our page, we will discuss the walkouts and protests that took place within schools and communities across Los Angeles. The school protests happened because Latino students wanted to see a change in the education system. Some of the changes Latino students wanted to see implemented were hiring more Chicano professors and administrators, having more Chicano Studies classes in higher education, and overall being treated better without discrimination or judgment. In the 1960s, high school students faced racism and discrimination, which included a lack of education and insufficient school buildings in comparison to those of white students in the area. Walkouts famously took place at Roosevelt High School in Los Angeles, where there was a large population of Latino students. In 1993, college students also faced a lack of Chicano education when budget cuts put the Chicano classes at UCLA at risk of being shut down. This led to a hunger strike, where UCLA students protested and ultimately helped to establish the UCLA César E. Chávez Department of Chicana/o Studies. In the years leading up to 1965, Latino and Black communities also protested because they wanted to see a change in the way they were treated. The Black community finally had enough in 1965 and the Watts Riots happened, which in the end led to positive changes in their community. By Sydney Schwinger, Vanessa Harris, Jazmin Chavez

David Alfaro Siqueiros: Social Realist Painter

Abstract: Social realist painter and muralist, David Siqueiros is recognized for his large public murals. Recognized as one of the most famous of the "Mexican muralists", Siqueiros's artwork often carried strong political and social messages, depicting themes of social justice, revolution, and the struggles of the working class. His passion for social activism and artistic expression made him a significant figure not only in the art world but also in the broader context of political and cultural movements of his time.

One of the most notable muralists known during the Chicanx art movement is David Alfaro Siquieros. This social realist painter and muralist, most famously recognized for his large public murals, Siqueiros is known as one of the most famous of the "Mexican muralists". Siqueiros painted dynamic images of revolution and human struggle. His accentuation/emphasis of the human body was meant to show the strength of the working class and often used symbols from the natural world to evoke broader political and social themes. Siqueiros's artwork often carried strong political and social messages, depicting themes of social justice, revolution, and the struggles of the working class. His passion for social activism and artistic expression made him a significant figure not only in the art world but also in the broader context of political and cultural movements of his time. His most popular mural pictured above, America Tropical, is one of his most popular murals, as its significance over time has grown, drawing discussion from many of its observers.

To briefly summarize the revolutionary life of David Alfaro Siquieros, it is important to recognize his intent and motivations. In this Youtube video pictured aside, Siqueiros highlights his reasoning for creating his vast murals. The video quotes, “Quiero que el tema no sea solamente la marcha de la humanidad en México, si no la marcha de la humanidad en toda América Latina en particular / I want the topic not only to be the march of humanity in Mexico, but the march of humanity in all of Latin America in particular” (David Alfaro Siqueiros).

Brief background on the artist and any controversies surrounding his identity/history.
Discuss his murals and their significance.
Dive into America Tropical.
- The mural reflects the oppression and exploitation of Latine people by the United States, and the controversy surrounding it reflects the ongoing struggles of marginalized communities for visibility and recognition.
- What efforts had been made to preserve and restore the mural, which has suffered damage over the years due to neglect and censorship?
  - The Getty Conservation Institute completed a three-decade-long project to conserve the mural—carefully removing the paint that was used to cover it, working to save what was left, and making it accessible to visitors once again.
- How do power structures seek to silence and erase the experiences of oppressed communities?
As mentioned previously, Siqueros truly believed art had the power to change the world and change the perception of everything we know.
“The fact that the sun (according to the Aztecs: Huitzilopochtli, the god of war) cracked the white paint and made "América Tropical" visible again, symbolizes our resiliency in the face of discrimination and structural violence” (Prof. AR)
Siqueiros was commissioned to paint a romanticized version of Mexico… ironic enough business owners from the area at that time probably described it as scandalous, heinous, or atrocious.
Elaborate on course readings:
- Janelle Montgomery- Oppressed and Destroyed- America Tropical
- Leslie Reiner "Mural América Tropical: Historical Context and Project Overview”
- Keywords: Art (Rita González)

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Abstract: In the midst of change, The Chicanx Movement was a monumental time for Mexican Americans in the United States during the late 1960s. The movement addressed the social, economic, and political inequalities experienced by Mexican Americans across the nation. Aimed to celebrate and acknowledge cultural pride and identity, the movement also sought to reclaim and celebrate Mexican and Mexican American history, art, and culture. The Chicanx Movement played a significant role in shaping the Latino identity and influencing subsequent social justice movements, and the artwork produced during this time allowed for many to voice their opinions on the political and social climate of the U.S during the time.
Contents of this path:
1. The Works of Judy Baca This page analyzes the art of Judy Baca during the Chicano movement, highlighting her significant contribution and impact. Baca’s murals, characterized by vibrant colors and intricate symbolism, became powerful visual narratives of the struggles and resilience of the Chicano community. Through her artwork, she challenged dominant narratives and celebrated the rich cultural heritage of Mexican Americans. Baca’s art continues to serve as a reminder of the transformative power of art by promoting social justice, representation, and community empowerment.
2. Exploring the Vibrant Murals of East Los Angeles This page explores the different kinds of murals that were painted in Los Angeles, specifically East Los Angeles, during the Chicano movement. During the Chicano movement, East Los Angles became a central hub for many Chicano artists and their murals as there was a lot of cultural activism during the movement. Many believed that the murals that were painted served a bigger role in the Chicano movement because of the visual narratives these murals displayed.
3. David Alfaro Siqueiros: Social Realist Painter Abstract: Social realist painter and muralist, David Siqueiros is recognized for his large public murals. Recognized as one of the most famous of the "Mexican muralists", Siqueiros's artwork often carried strong political and social messages, depicting themes of social justice, revolution, and the struggles of the working class. His passion for social activism and artistic expression made him a significant figure not only in the art world but also in the broader context of political and cultural movements of his time.

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Mexico (Ciudad de México, D.F.) - Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), David Alfaro Siqueiros, Mexican History or the Right for Culture (1952-1956), photographed between 1960-1964
Mexico (Ciudad de México, D.F.) - Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), "The People for the University. The University for the People." By David Alfaro Siqueiros, relief mosaic, between 1960-1964 Often referred to as a mural, this work is executed in mosaic over a bas-relief surface. The mosaic tiles were created by the, then new, company Mosaicos Venicianos de Mexico, S.A. Distant view towards the mural by David Siqueiros, on the Rectory building (Rectoría de la Máxima Casa de Estudios) at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, titled "El pueblo a la universidad, la universidad al pueblo. #Community #Muralism
America Tropical (Now)
F. K. Ferenz, with artists Dean Cornwell and David Alfaro Siqueiros at Olvera Street, Los Angeles, 1932 F. K. Ferenz (director of the Plaza Art Center), with artists Dean Cornwell and David Alfaro Siqueiros at Olvera Street. They are looking at a document, perhaps a plan. This is probably at the time that Siqueiros painted a mural at Olvera St. titled "América Tropical." David Alfaro Siqueiros was a Mexican social realist painter, best known for his large murals in fresco. His mural, América Tropical, at Olvera Street, is still in place. Dean Cornwell was a muralist and illustrator. Among his most famous works are 16 panels at the Los Angeles Public Library depicting a pageant of California history.
David Alfaro Siqueiros, arte y revolución
America Tropical: Oppressed and Destroyed by Imperialisms