THIS WEEK ON LATINOPIA: LORENA MANRIQUEZ ON WALLS OF PASSION, RICARDO ROMO ON OSCAR ALVARADO MASTER IN TILE, DR. CYNTHIA E. OROZCO ON THE HISTORY OF MEXICAN AMERICANS IN AUSTIN AND THE IMPACT OF THE AMÉRICA TROPICAL MURAL ON CHICANO MURALISTS.
Lots this week. We begin with Chilean born filmmaker Lorena Manriquez talking about the ten year struggle to complete her amazing documentary on the art and life of Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros. She went from not knowing a thing about Siquieros to producing what is arguably the definitive documentary on his life and work. We pair this interview with Lorena speaking about one of Siqueiros’ murals in particular, América Tropical, and how it has had a profound impact on the Chicano art scene. Created in October of 1932 and shortly thereafter whitewashed for its political content, the film would, in the 1970s, give inspiration and impetus to a generation of Chicano activist artists who saw themselves reflected in the work of this great master.
Also this week, Ricardo Romo’s Tejano Report looks at the tile masterpieces of San Antonio-based artist Oscar Alvarado. Check out these amazing three-dimensional tile sculptures.
And last but not least, Dr. Cynthia E. Orozco brings us a capsulized history of Mexican Americans in the city of Austin, Texas, in this Latinopia Document. She covers the history from the very beginnings to the present. An awesome piece of scholarship. You’ll find this fascinating even if you don’t live in Austin.
Enjoy your week on Latinopia.
Tia Tenopia