CHIC1916W

This class will explore artwork created by Latin American and Caribbean immigrants and their communities in the United States. We will refer to these populations are Latinos and Latinas. The course focuses on Latino and Latina artists who are seeking to challenge the privileged and restrictive nature of museums and galleries. We will explore numerous forms of public art including murals, sculpture, posters, and installation, while paying particular attention to how these works engage urban communities and reconsider visual traditions and conventions. Within the context of U.S. Latina and Latino cultures and histories, we will connect notions of visual art with ideas about citizenship, race, civil rights, and social justice. As we will see, art is often utilized by U.S.-based Latina/o artists and communities to create spaces where agency and empowerment can be realized or negotiated.

This course will take advantage of the cultural celebrations and exhibitions in the Twin Cities, particularly for Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead on November 2 and Latino Heritage Month between September 15 and October 15. We will see and write about the local exhibitions and participate in Day of the Dead celebrations on campus.

Race, Power, and Justice in the United States

Periodic Fall