(21st, February 2016)
Ancient Mexican civilization had a great influence in shaping the Chicano Artists, thus, the reason they keep a reference to it. Gonzales illustrates that the Mexican had a long standing history of art beginning from the Olmec civilization to colonial period. The tradition got a boost in the 1920s when the Mexican muralism was formed to promote the art of mural paintings. During this time, the mural paintings were crafted with political and social messages aimed at reunifying the country after the Mexican Revolution. These pictures reminded the Mexicans about their oneness and from the 1920s to 1970s, large portraits of these murals with a nationalistic, political and social messages were drawn on buildings commencing a ritual which to date, continues to shape Mexico’s social and political landscape. Besides creating an impact in Mexico, the Mexican muralism continues to influence Americas. In America, the Mexican muralism inspired the onset of the Chicano art movement.
A poem by Gonzales, I am Joaquin suggests that the Mexican revolution also played a significant role on artists. The revolution was a culmination of social and political opposition towards unpopular policies established by Portirio Diaz. Besides, the revolution aimed at instilling dignity to the Mexicans relieving them from the york of exploitation and with opportunities to succeed. According to “Ancient Voices: Aztecs- inside the hidden empire” oppositional leaders led by intellectualists such as Alfonso Reyes and Antonio Curo promoted ideals that advocated for political and social change. Their strong opposition resulted in the emergence of new generation of painters such as David Alfaro and Diego Rivera and other artistic figures. The work of David Alfaro, Diego Rivera among others contributed to the transformation of Mexico into a more industrialized nation (Anaya 59).
In conclusion, the ancient Mexican civilization played a significant role in shaping the present-day Chicano artists. The civilization had a long-standing tradition of embracing art through the painting of murals. Also, the Mexican artists contributed to the Mexican Revolution, which advocated for social and political change for the Mexican. The revolution led to the emergence of next generation of artists who helped transform Mexico as a country. Hence, most Chicano artists relate to these achievements as a point of reference for their artistic work.
Works Cited
Anaya, Rudolfo Alfonso. Bless Me, Ultima. Berkeley: TQS Publications, 1972. Print
Ancient Voices: Aztecs- inside the hidden empire. Dir. Alexandria VA. Time-Life Video, 2003. DVD.
Gonzales, Rodolfo Corcky. “I am Joaquin”. Latin American Studies. n.d. Web. 21 February 2016.
