Changarrito with Manny Chapa

About the Artist

Manny Chapa creates paintings that speak on the beauty that exists within his Mexican heritage. His process includes observing the subject and translating it onto his canvas with detailed brushstrokes that tell a story. With every finished artwork, Manny conveys life, environment, traditions and the feeling of family. The challenge, he says, is to not let these emotions slip away with thought but to capture them in all their glory.

Artist Statement 

“As an artist, I work hard to develop paintings that speak to me and others about the beauty that exists in my Mexican heritage. Part of my process before I begin a painting is to look at images of the subject I am about to recreate on canvas. I do not merely want to capture the image with my brushes; rather, with careful, colorful strokes, that speak to me and my audience.

I try with every finished work to breathe life into my heritage so that its environments, traditions, and family emotions are displayed on my canvas. The challenge, as with any recreated environment, tradition, or emotion, is not to let it slip away in thought. Instead capture it in all its glory. My artwork speaks, not only for me, but for my audience to enjoy.”

Artists have the opportunity to sell their art on the Changarrito cart in front of the Museum (or an offsite location, as representative for the Museum during various Austin festivals). Changarreando expands the reach of the artist by presenting their gallery online, while allowing the option to sell merch over Instagram and receive 100% of the sale.

Luis Angulo featured his artwork on the Changarrito cart outside the Museum’s entrance on May 18th and 31st, 2020.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates on original work available for purchase and behind the scenes of the artist’s work, space, and creative process.