Young Latino Artists 21: Amexican

About

Now in its 21st year, the Young Latino Artists (YLA) exhibition provides emerging Latina/o artists with professional-level museum experience and exposure. Guest curated by Shek Vega, YLA 21: Amexican@ focuses on Latina/o artists who grew up as part of the Millennial Generation. Raised in predominantly Latina/o-populated locales, these artists have altered their way of representing traditional Latina/o works as seen from art produced in response to the Chicano Movement of the 1960s-70s. Art produced by Millennials reflects an inner dialogue; one that resonates with themselves, their Latina/o upbringing, nostalgia, and the influence of the digital age, and the current cultural climate in the United States. Religious iconography, vibrant colors, familiar cultural references, personal issues to the artist, and a solid sense of connection to community are all themes found in the exhibition.

Works

Featured YLA 21 Artists: Vanessa Centeno (New Orleans, LA); Justo Cisneros (San Antonio, TX); Essentials Collective (Austin, TX); Hatziel Flores (Dallas, TX); Destiny Mata (New York, NY); James Supa Medrano (San Antonio, TX); Chris Montoya (San Antonio, TX); @Jaime “Flan” Munoz (Los Angeles, CA); Zeke Peña (El Paso, TX); Daniela Riojas (San Antonio, TX); and, Larry Servin (San Antonio, TX)

“We are Mexican, we are American, we are the creation of Amexican@.” – David “Shek” Vega

Photos by Breezy Ritter Photography