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Chicano Visions: American Painters on the Verge
Originating in the early seventies, Chicano art long remained unrecognised by the art and gallery world. This text features the work of 26 Chicano artists and marks the transition of this unique and exciting movement into the critical fold of contemporary art.
160 pages, Paperback
First published September 23, 2002
51 people want to read
About the author
Cheech Marin
32 books56 followersRichard Anthony "Cheech" Marin is an American comedian and actor who gained recognition as part of the comedy act Cheech & Chong during the 1970s and early 1980s, and as Don Johnson's quick-and-scheme partner, Insp. Joe Dominguez on Nash Bridges.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 27, 2024
Three informative essays on the nature and social context of Chicano Art provide excellent context for the work displayed in this coffee-table type book. Much of the art is from the private collection of Cheech and Patti Marin. Cheech himself has done much to front-face Chicano Art, from the preservation of urban Los Angeles murals to the creation of "The Cheech", a gallery at the Riverside Art Museum. Recommended for its function as both a curation of excellent art and an introduction to the Chicano vibe.
January 4, 2008
cheech marin (of cheech and chong fame) is the largest collector of chicano art in the country.
The chicano art movement is said to have begun in East LA with a mural painted by Willie Heron, the day after his brother was stabbed to death. He painted it on the wall against which his brother had lay bleeding and it includes the praying madre; calavera, a crucifix, and a Mexican wrestler's mask--elements that are prevalent in much of chicano art (see websites below).
Marin had been collecting chicano art for a good while and with his muscular collection he spearheaded a nation-wide traveling exhibition of the work.
It's pretty gut-grabbing stuff, rich primary colors, strong character, emotional, emotional, emotional like I haven't seen in awhile.
I admire what Marin has done and I think this book is creatively inspirational.
Check out ABEbooks.com for cheap used copies.
http://www.sparcmurals.org/preserv/He...
http://www.aaa.si.edu/collections/ora...
The chicano art movement is said to have begun in East LA with a mural painted by Willie Heron, the day after his brother was stabbed to death. He painted it on the wall against which his brother had lay bleeding and it includes the praying madre; calavera, a crucifix, and a Mexican wrestler's mask--elements that are prevalent in much of chicano art (see websites below).
Marin had been collecting chicano art for a good while and with his muscular collection he spearheaded a nation-wide traveling exhibition of the work.
It's pretty gut-grabbing stuff, rich primary colors, strong character, emotional, emotional, emotional like I haven't seen in awhile.
I admire what Marin has done and I think this book is creatively inspirational.
Check out ABEbooks.com for cheap used copies.
http://www.sparcmurals.org/preserv/He...
http://www.aaa.si.edu/collections/ora...
January 25, 2021
Happy to revisit this text in my collection as I continue to expand my art history knowledge of Xicanx art. My copy is even signed by the Chicano art collector of all art collectors, Cheech Marin! I bought the book when his exhibit was touring while I was in graduate school, and the three essays in the front of the text are great along with the focus on Chicana/o painters. A real testament to the need for our imaginations to continue to include the legacy of painters doing the work for decades.
March 19, 2022
Amazing collection of Chicano/a art and a fantastic set of essays describing how the genre was developed and the artists' journeys to get there. Very inspiring. I cannot wait for Cheech Marin's museum to open in Riverside so I can see some of these pieces in person someday!
April 4, 2018
this was cool.
January 22, 2016
This book’s title alone might easily make one think that it would only appeal to a rather narrow audience. However, I feel that art can generally transcend such obstacles and can often garner far wider audiences despite being aimed solely at specific target groups. I think this book does just that but at the same time it is hard for me to try to gauge how those without ties to a Chicano heritage could make of this book. However, those like myself, with an avid interest in these things will unquestionably enjoy it thoroughly.
There are three essays at the beginning of the book that deal with specific aspects of this genre. These could easily be skipped over without diminishing this books power but I highly recommend at least reading the first one for its perspective on the history and significance of the artwork contained here. The other two are also interesting enough but are even more specific in their particular focus, as well as leaning towards more of an art criticism style of writing than anything else, a particular genre I hold little esteem for.
Of course, others could quite possibly find them to their liking. However, I will say that despite my aversion for this type of writing I was able to read these in their entirety without becoming extremely irritated, which although this is somewhat of a backhanded compliment possibly shows that they were written well enough, if not actually exceptionally well to have been able to pull this off.
The styles and mediums seen here are wide and varied, from crudely rendered folk-art to the impressionistic and surreal, as well as hyper-real. Surely, with such a wide spectrum to choose from there is something for everyone here. For me, this diversity simply makes the book one of the most entertaining visual experiences I’ve had in a long while. The sheer variety ensures one could not possibly become “underwhelmed” through any repetition.
Nevertheless, I will admit that I was not always enamored by every one of these artists or their work but regardless always found something of interest in nearly all of them and those that I did find myself drawn to were simply astounding. I particularly liked the pieces included here by Carlos Almaraz, Adan Hernandez, Patassi Valdez, Vincent Valdez & George Yepes.
The majority of the works selected here are from the private collection of one Cheech Marin, of the stoner comedy duo “Cheech & Chong” fame. While this could very well be a selling point to an even smaller subset of people it could also very well scare off more than a few. Rest assured, despite the man’s questionable use of his talents (Nash Bridges!?), in his private life he has used his earnings to amass one the largest if not the most significant collections of Mexican-American art in the world. Say what you will of his career, in my eyes he has redeemed himself fully by his promotion and support of his cultural heritage.
There are three essays at the beginning of the book that deal with specific aspects of this genre. These could easily be skipped over without diminishing this books power but I highly recommend at least reading the first one for its perspective on the history and significance of the artwork contained here. The other two are also interesting enough but are even more specific in their particular focus, as well as leaning towards more of an art criticism style of writing than anything else, a particular genre I hold little esteem for.
Of course, others could quite possibly find them to their liking. However, I will say that despite my aversion for this type of writing I was able to read these in their entirety without becoming extremely irritated, which although this is somewhat of a backhanded compliment possibly shows that they were written well enough, if not actually exceptionally well to have been able to pull this off.
The styles and mediums seen here are wide and varied, from crudely rendered folk-art to the impressionistic and surreal, as well as hyper-real. Surely, with such a wide spectrum to choose from there is something for everyone here. For me, this diversity simply makes the book one of the most entertaining visual experiences I’ve had in a long while. The sheer variety ensures one could not possibly become “underwhelmed” through any repetition.
Nevertheless, I will admit that I was not always enamored by every one of these artists or their work but regardless always found something of interest in nearly all of them and those that I did find myself drawn to were simply astounding. I particularly liked the pieces included here by Carlos Almaraz, Adan Hernandez, Patassi Valdez, Vincent Valdez & George Yepes.
The majority of the works selected here are from the private collection of one Cheech Marin, of the stoner comedy duo “Cheech & Chong” fame. While this could very well be a selling point to an even smaller subset of people it could also very well scare off more than a few. Rest assured, despite the man’s questionable use of his talents (Nash Bridges!?), in his private life he has used his earnings to amass one the largest if not the most significant collections of Mexican-American art in the world. Say what you will of his career, in my eyes he has redeemed himself fully by his promotion and support of his cultural heritage.
February 1, 2012
A great collection, a terrific exhibition
Published in 2002 by Bullfinch.
160 pages
I caught this exhibition at the Indiana State Museum while it was on a nationwide tour. It was so interesting that I took full advantage of my museum membership and came back and saw it several times while it was here in Indianapolis. I picked up the book as the exhibit was winding down but only recently read the well-written introductory essays that make up the first 35 pages or so of the book.
Cheech Marin has created a high-quality full color text of this travelling show which is mostly comprised of pieces from his own personal collection. Marin's taste tends to run towards political art, but there is plenty that speaks of life for artists who are both Chicano and American, as the exhibition title (also the book title) imply...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2011/...
Published in 2002 by Bullfinch.
160 pages
I caught this exhibition at the Indiana State Museum while it was on a nationwide tour. It was so interesting that I took full advantage of my museum membership and came back and saw it several times while it was here in Indianapolis. I picked up the book as the exhibit was winding down but only recently read the well-written introductory essays that make up the first 35 pages or so of the book.
Cheech Marin has created a high-quality full color text of this travelling show which is mostly comprised of pieces from his own personal collection. Marin's taste tends to run towards political art, but there is plenty that speaks of life for artists who are both Chicano and American, as the exhibition title (also the book title) imply...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2011/...
June 14, 2014
Wasn't too sure how to rate an art book. Loved the art work and on that it would get 5 stars. Love that the focus is on Chicano artists and for that it would also get 5 stars. But as this is not quite literature and I can't rate it on that, I'm giving this 3 stars for liking it.
I am impressed at the artwork in Cheech Marin's collection. He could fill up a few museum wings. I love that he supports the Chicano art movement and gives it a place as an important art genre.
The text is a bit dry. I would have liked more on the artists and how they came about some of their paintings. I enjoyed reading the few detailed commentaries to some of the art in the book and wish each painting had been attached with a little background to it.
Recommended for any art lover and anyone interested in Chicano works.
I am impressed at the artwork in Cheech Marin's collection. He could fill up a few museum wings. I love that he supports the Chicano art movement and gives it a place as an important art genre.
The text is a bit dry. I would have liked more on the artists and how they came about some of their paintings. I enjoyed reading the few detailed commentaries to some of the art in the book and wish each painting had been attached with a little background to it.
Recommended for any art lover and anyone interested in Chicano works.
April 9, 2007
The illustration and painting in this collection is gorgeous. The exhibit was amazing.
September 11, 2007
I was lucky enough to get to see part of this collection (Cheech's) in Chicago. Some of these paintings are just amazing and I got to see my favorite.
May 16, 2012
Cheech Marin has published this book of Chicano art. Beautiful art not widely seen but which should be.
November 23, 2014
This is a good introduction to Chicano art. The essays are kind of a tour guide explanation of an exhibition presented by an avid collector, Cheech Marin.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews