Judithe Hernández, “Les demoiselles d’barrio / Maidens of the Barrio (The Luchadora Series)” (2013), pastel, mixed-media on canvas (Gift in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Peter C. Hernández)

For the first time in its history, the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) is having a solo exhibition for a Chicanx artist. The artist, Judithe Hernández, is considered one of the most significant figures in the Chicano art and Los Angeles mural movements in the 1970s, and continues to make powerful work to this day. From stunning pastel portraits of caretakers and religious figures to a whole series dedicated to luchadoras, or fighters, Hernández’s art is focused on women subjects, depicted in beautifully vibrant ways.

In anticipation of the exhibition, MOLAA is hosting this Saturday an evening of music, film, and discussions “inspired by” Hernández, titled “Barrio Baroque.” It includes a performance by an early Chicano punk musician, Alice Bag, and the screening of a documentary on an all-women bicycle crew, the Ovarian Psycos Cycle Brigade (members will also be in attendance for a Q&A). There will also be participatory events; artist Kiyomi Fukui Nannery, together with the Long Beach-based art space Grab Bag Studio, will invite visitors to share one true fact about their lives and contribute their thumbprints to the artist’s existing collection.

While it’s surprising that MOLAA, in its 20-year history, hadn’t yet mounted an exhibition for a Chicanx artist, Hernández is an excellent first choice and the women artists shaping “Barrio Baroque” are bound to put together a rich, diverse lineup of events.

When: Saturday, May 12, 4–8pm
Where: Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) (628 Alamitos Ave, Long Beach)

More info at MOLAA. 

Elisa Wouk Almino is a senior editor at Hyperallergic. She is based in Los Angeles. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

2 replies on “An Evening for the Women Chicanx Artists of Los Angeles”

  1. The right word here is “Chicanas”, since you’re talking about women/female subject. You use the x when you’re trying to avoid using a gender to an adjective. But that’s only in Spanish, since in English you do not have that distinction…

    1. That’s the way the organizers of the exhibition have used it, as it appears there’s a growing group of people who are using that to identify themselves.

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