“Rasquachismo,” was first coined by Dr. Tomás Ybarra-Frausto in 1989 for an exhibit organized by a Chicano artist group in Phoenix, Arizona. The term was created in an attempt to reclaim the word “rasquache,” which is slang for low-class and often used to discredit the cultural creativity and uniqueness found within Chicano culture.
“Rasquachismo: 35 years of Chicano sensibility,” is a display that is being hosted at the McNay Art Museum from Dec. 19 to Mar. 30. This exhibit features Mexican-American artists showcasing their talents while incorporating familiar items or styles that hold value within their culture and meaning from their lives.
Upon entering the exhibit, visitors are greeted by sculptures constructed with various materials. The most notable of the bunch is “Mi Chicano Corazón (ca. 2023),” by Einar and Jamex de la Torre – two siblings who have been collaborating since the early 1990s. The sculpture features a sleek glass design of a human heart with cactus branches extending upwards and the cactus’ vibrant green roots embedded back into the heart. The piece represents the deeply rooted love for Chicano culture that both artists share.
A common theme amongst pieces in the exhibit is the use of beer logos. In Diana Molina’s piece, “Luz de la Luna (Moonbeam) (ca. 2017),” the artist combines wrappers of a color pattern that presents a tapestry-esque look. The blend of aluminum wrappers from brands — such as Dos Equis, Dove Chocolate and Cashew Roca — creates a shiny effect mimicking a luxurious gold texture while yielding a similar pattern to a zarape, a traditional Mexican cloak-like clothing article. This collage represents the elegance found in items that can be found in lower-class communities.
On the far right of the exhibit lies “Under the Mexican Colchas (ca. 2012)” by American-born artist Ruth Buentello. The San Antonio native describes her work as “examining gender, culture and place to capture narratives of Brown subjects and their relationships within domestic spaces.” The acrylic painting portrays an older Mexican couple lying on a bed together. The male character sports a cowboy hat without a shirt, and the female character lies on her back in a vibrant yellow striped shirt. The male sits upright with a tired expression on his face; the female has no mouth. Buentello’s painting does exactly what it intends to: commenting on gender and relationship stereotypes within Chicano communities.
This extraordinary exhibit is a love letter to Chicano culture, celebrating the heritage in the form of art. Viewers of Mexican descent can gather a sense of familiarity from the showcase, with multiple artifacts incorporating items that are beloved and commemorated by the culture. It should be explored and discussed while it takes center stage at the McNay.
