CREDITS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Los Tejanos: Chicano Art from the Cheech Marin Collection presents
of which is also rooted in historical references. The featured artists
a selection of 39 works of art by 14 Texas artists currently represented
are Jari "Werc" Alvarez, Melesio (Mel) Casas, Carlos Donjuán, Gaspar
in the most renowned collection of its kind. As contemporary story-
Enríquez, Jacinto Guevara, Adán Hernández, Benito Huerta, César A.
tellers using their own experiences to interpret symbols and traditions
Martínez, Joe Peña, Alex Rubio, Ricardo Ruiz, Marta Sánchez, Vincent
in modern life, these artists also use imagery and subject matter; much
Valdez, and Andy A. Villarreal.
EXHIBITION ORGANIZED BY Art Museum of South Texas CURATED BY Joseph B. Schenk and Deborah Fullerton Dunn PRESENTED BY Cheech Marin PRODUCED, MARKETED AND MANAGED BY Melissa Richardson Banks INQUIRIES (213) 537-4483 • mrb@causeconnect.net
The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art, Culture & Industry (“The Cheech”) is a 61,420 sq.-ft. cultural facility created in partnership Art Museum of South Texas
between Cheech Marin, the Riverside Art Museum, and the City of
January 11 through April 29, 2018
Riverside in California. Slated to open in 2020, this worldwide center of
www.artmuseumofsouthtexas.org
Chicano art will feature paintings, works on paper, mixed media artworks,
PUBLICATION
sculptures, photography, and video arts; exploring Chicano culture from the barrio to the bay, cholos to César Chávez, and pre-Columbian to modern murals. To learn more and to find out how to get involved, visit www.thecheechcenter.org.
Editor & Publisher Melissa Richardson Banks of CauseConnect, LLC
G All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or
DESIGN AND T YPOGRAPHY Eva Crawford, The Axis of Eva
transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems without permission in writing from the publisher and the copyright owners.
PHOTOGRAPHY Lisa Mansy Photography and Rush Varela
First U.S. Edition, Artwork Copyright: © 2018 for individual artwork images in the exhibition and publication are retained by the respec-
Publication Copyright: ©2018 by
tive artists and, if deceased at time or after date of publication, by their
Melissa Richardson Banks and Cheech Marin
respective estates. Printed in China
DETAIL: La Noche Extraña by Ricardo Ruiz, 2012
DETAIL: Sam's Burger Joint by Jacinto Guevara, 2016 DETAIL: Flip Side by Gronk, 1994
INTRODUCTION DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEJAS Early in my journey of collecting Chicano art, I was
the funding to mount the first show of Chicano Visions,
fortunate enough to be introduced to the Chicano paint-
American Painters on the Verge, but in 2001, we were
ers of Texas. Up until that time, my collection consisted
ready to go.
primarily of artists from Los Angeles and a few from San Francisco.
We decided to open the first show in San Antonio under
At some point, I was introduced to a woman named
had a company specializing in producing and travel-
the guidance of Texas native Stacy King who, at the time, Sonia Pérez who was an art dealer who co-owned the
ing large-scale museum shows. It was a huge success
Jansen-Pérez Gallery in San Antonio, Texas. When she
during its national tour, both in terms of attendance and
opened another location of her gallery in Los Angeles,
critical acclaim, so we were on our way. In the interven-
Sonia showed me the work of Texas-based artists César
ing years, on my own with the support of yet another
A. Martínez, Adán Hernández, Gaspar Enríquez, Melesio
Texan, Melissa Richardson Banks, the collection has
(Mel) Casas, and Vincent Valdez, among others.
been shown through a dozen exhibitions at over fifty
I recognized right away that these two groups of artists
Texas. The collection also continues to expand, adding
were related … like cousins. The L.A. painters were a little
even more Tejanos to the mix every year.
museums to date, including the Art Museum of South
more urban and the Texas painters were a little more country, but they both expressed the same Chicano
Art is the only thing we leave behind as a culture. Art
“sabor”. It was a flavor that was unique and largely
says who we are, what we believe in, what is most sacred
ignored by the general art world.
to us. Art is the truest expression of our souls. It connects us with all humanity and in times like these we need art
The more I saw them side by side, the more I realized
more than ever .
that there was a school of Chicano art forming here, and it was larger and more important than anybody had imagined. When the collection grew to a sufficient size, I was urged by my friends in the art scene to start showing it. Easier said than done. It took me a number of years to finally get
Cheech Marin
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 1
PREFACE As we celebrate this exhibition, Los Tejanos: Chicano Art
space. Little did I know that it would be an easy sale,
from the Cheech Marin Collection, we also honor Richard
since Melissa was from Corpus Christi and was thrilled
“Cheech” Marin. In 2017, he was recognized in ARTnews
with our interest. We were off to a great start and the
as one of the “Top 200 Collectors” for his collection of over
beginning of a wonderful long-term relationship. We
700 works by Chicano artists. This recognition in the
presented Menudo: Chicano Art from the Cheech Marin
international art world speaks volumes. From my many
Collection from September 17, 2009 through January 3,
experiences with art collectors, I can say that there is not
2010. Cheech and his wife Natasha came for the opening,
a collector more dedicated, passionate, and focused on
which drew an appreciative crowd of over 400. While
his collection and the artists who are included in it. He
he was here, we also introduced him to several of our
is also one of the most generous in sharing his collec-
important Chicano artists and he made studio visits.
tion with museums and the communities they serve.
He later began acquiring their works. During that visit,
This year also brought the announcement by the City
we became fast friends and that friendship with Cheech,
of Riverside in California to approve a national center
Natasha, and Melissa is priceless.
to house and exhibit his fabulous collection through Riverside Art Museum.
The second exhibition, Chicanitas: Small Paintings
The Art Museum of South Texas has had a wonderful
Art Museum of South Texas, from September 18, 2015
from the Cheech Marin Collection, was shown at the history with Cheech Marin and this exhibition is the
through January 3, 2016. It too brought a great crowd
third to have graced our galleries. We began our rela-
and Cheech was again gracious as he engaged our audi-
tionship when Cheech was in town for a performance.
ences and the community, further educating them about
Knowing that he had an exhibition from his Chicano art
Chicano art and artists whose messages are just as
collection touring the country, I reached out to his art
impactful in small works as in the larger ones featured
manager Melissa Richardson Banks and asked if they
in Menudo. The bonus this time was having Natasha
would consider our museum as a future venue. Luck was
Marin and Maria Demina, the piano duo of Double Sharp,
definitely on our side. I invited them to see the galleries
present a concert of works by Russian composers at the
when they were in town for his show, since the venue
Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi Performing Arts
where he and Tommy Chong were performing was next
Center. For those who do not know her, Natasha is an
door to our museum. Cheech and Melissa came over
incredible pianist who graduated from the St. Peters-
and we walked the museum’s galleries while I tried to
burg Conservatory and is completing her Doctorate in
sell him on how great his collection would look in our
piano at the University of Southern California.
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 2
With this exhibition, Los Tejanos: Chicano Art from the Cheech Marin Collection, we celebrate the variety and talents of some of the Texas artists Cheech has collected over the past thirty-plus years. The show includes paintings by three of Corpus Christi’s finest artists, Benito Huerta, Joe Peña, and Ricardo Ruiz. In addition, it relates well to the permanent collection of the Art Museum of South Texas which includes works by seven of the Texas Chicano artists featured in Cheech’s collection. On view January 11 through April 29, 2018, this exhibition will allow viewers to experience some of Cheech’s collecting passion since there are multiple works by almost all of the artists. We hope that this exhibition and collection will further the exposure and appreciation of these artists and Chicano art in Texas. It has been an honor for the Art Museum of South Texas to have been included in Cheech's efforts since 2008. We are proud of the accolades and recognition that he has received over the years, and look forward to partnering with him again through the new national Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art, Culture & Industry. Thank you Cheech for all that you’ve done in support of the Art Museum of South Texas, Corpus Christi, and Chicano artists. I salute you my friend and look forward to celebrating the next chapters in your life, collection, and career. Joe Schenk | Director, Art Museum of South Texas Corpus Christi, Texas
DETAIL: El Gato Negro by Adán Hernández, 1998
DETAIL: Bato with Green Glasses (El Mosco) by César A. Martínez, 2005
Los Tejanos
Jari “Werc” Álvarez
Tacos y Cocktales by Jari “Werc” Álvarez, 2013 mixed media collage on panel, 14″ h x 14.5″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 7
Coyotes (part of Coyotes y Pollitos diptych) by Jari “Werc” Álvarez, 2008 mixed media on board, 13″ h x 13″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 8
Pollitos (part of Coyotes y Pollitos diptych) by Jari “Werc” Álvarez, 2008 mixed media on board, 13″ h x 13″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 9
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 10
Toca el Pito by Jari “Werc” Álvarez, 2012 mixed media collage on panel, 24″ h x 60″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 11
Melesio (Mel) Casas
DETAIL: Baker's Dozen by Melesio (Mel) Casas, 1990
It was a Full Moon by Melesio (Mel) Casas, 1990 acrylic on canvas, 24″ h × 24″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 14
Baker's Dozen by Melesio (Mel) Casas, 1990 acrylic on canvas, 24″ h × 24″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 15
Carlos Donjuรกn
Nasty Nez by Carlos Donjuán, 2009 mixed media on birch panel, 72″ h x 48″ w Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 17
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 18
R-U Ready by Carlos Donjuán, 2009 mixed media on birch panel, 48″ h × 72″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 19
Gaspar Enríquez
OPPOSITE: Charolito by Gaspar Enríquez, 2009 acrylic on paper, 48″ h × 36″ w
Ojos De Miel by Gaspar Enríquez, 1995 acrylic on paper, 48.25″ h × 36.25″ w Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 23
Jacinto Guevara
DETAIL: La FantasĂa de Flatonia by Jacinto Guevara, 2013
La Fantasía de Flatonia by Jacinto Guevara, 2013 acrylic on wood panel, 36″ h × 48″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 26
Del Bravo Records by Jacinto Guevara, 2016 acrylic on wood panel, 36″ h × 48″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 27
Untitled by Jacinto Guevara, 2016 acrylic on wood panel, 39″ h × 48″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 29
Sam's Burger Joint by Jacinto Guevara, 2016 acrylic on wood panel, 36″ h × 48″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 30
Tzinaca Yóllotl by Jacinto Guevara, 2017 acrylic on wood panel, 36″ h × 48″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 31
DETAIL: Tzinaca Yรณllotl by Jacinto Guevara, 2017
Adรกn Hernรกndez
La Viuda (The Widow) by Adán Hernández, 2017 oil on canvas, 36″ h x 36″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 35
El Gato Negro by Adán Hernández, 1998 pastel on paper, 52.5″ h × 44.25″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 36
La Sad Girl by Adán Hernández, 2003 oil on canvas, 72″ h × 64″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 37
La Bomba (Explosion) by Adán Hernández, 1992 oil on canvas, 59″ h × 56.75″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 38
Drive-by Asesino by Adán Hernández, 1992 oil on canvas, 60.25″ h x 55″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 39
The Death of Chuey, El Picudo by Adán Hernández, 1994 oil on canvas, 14.5″ h × 16.25″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 41
Benito Huerta
Noches de la Frontera by Benito Huerta, 2003 oil on canvas, 84″ h x 84″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 43
CĂŠsar A. MartĂnez
Bato with Green Glasses (El Mosco) by César A. Martínez, 2005 acrylic on paper, 36.75″ h x 29.25″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 45
La Copetona by César A. Martínez, 2001 charcoal/pastel on paper, 33.5″ h × 25.75″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 46
Sylvia with Chango's Letter Jacket by César A. Martínez, 2000 oil on canvas, 54″ h × 44″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 47
Joe Peña
Late Night Elote by Joe Peña, 2016 oil on panel, 20″ h × 24″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 49
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 50
1:15 am, Final Stop by Joe Peña, 2016 oil on canvas, 36″ h × 47.5″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 51
Alex Rubio
DETAIL: Espíritu by Alex Rubio, 2003
Espíritu by Alex Rubio, 2003 acrylic on wood panel, 32″ h × 21.75″ w Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 54
The Backstabbers by Alex Rubio, 1998 acrylic on paper, 34″ h × 44″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 55
Ricardo Ruiz
El Viaje Del Regalo by Ricardo Ruiz, 2011 oil on canvas, 36″ h x 48″ w
La Verdad Kali by Ricardo Ruiz, 2017 oil on canvas, 36″ h × 36″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 58
La Envidiosa II by Ricardo Ruiz, 2016 oil on canvas, 36″ h × 36″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 59
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 60
La Noche Extraña by Ricardo Ruiz, 2012 acrylic on canvas, 24″ h × 30″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 61
Marta Sรกnchez
DETAIL: La Danza (The Dance) by Marta Sรกnchez, 1994
La Danza (The Dance) by Marta Sánchez, 1994 oil on canvas, 60.5"h x 36.5″ w Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 64
Cosa Dulce Mi Corazon (Heart for Cheech & Natasha) by Marta Sánchez, 2009 oil on tin, 13″ h x 13″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 65
Vincent Valdez
DETAIL: Marcando el Territorio (Marking the Territory) by Vincent Valdez, 1999
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 68
Marcando el Territorio (Marking Territory) by Vincent Valdez, 1999 acrylic house paint on wood panel with bandana frame, 19″ h × 29″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 69
The Death of Wino (Grandpa Gabriel Santana) by Vincent Valdez, 2002 pastel on roofing paper, 82″ h × 58″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 70
Christmas en LA by Vincent Valdez, 2009 serigraph, 14″ h × 25″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 71
Andy A. Villarreal
The Angel That Watches Over Me by Andy A. Villarreal, 2004 oil on wood panel, 53.5″ h x 101″ w
ARTIST BIOGRAPHIES
JARI “WERC” ÁLVAREZ Born January 27, 1980 in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México | Resides in Newark, New Jersey Art by Jari ″Werc” Álvarez is influenced by border culture, because
economies of street vendors, the archetypal language of design,
he was born in México and grew up in Texas; and graffiti, his urban
and the beauty of developing sustainability in communities. In his
teacher, because the streets were his training ground as an artist.
paintings, he explores aspects of duality and the politics of identity
His paintings, collages and designs are based on inspirations
by hunting and gathering found objects that later become part of
derived from broader issues of labor, border culture, logos, symbols,
his creations. Inherent in Werc's art, there is a response to negative
architecture, urbanization, and nostalgic humor among immigrant
customs, and a re-affirmation of consciousness that create artworks
cultures. Álvarez is specifically inspired by the creative informal
that reflects social change. Visit www.wercworldwide.com.
MELESIOS (MEL) CASAS Born November 29, 1929 in El Paso, Texas | Died November 30, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas An influential artist, theorist, teacher and mentor, Melesio (Mel)
the Smithsonian; another entitled Humanscape #57 hangs in the
Casas was Professor Emeritus at San Antonio College where he
San Antonio Museum of Art. In more recent years, his works have
taught for 29 years, retiring as chairman of the art department in
been smaller scale, poured paintings. He has exhibited nation-
1990. He served in the Korean War and was awarded the Purple
ally and internationally and has been the subject of numerous
Heart for bravery under fire. As an artist, Casas is best known for
one-person shows. As a theorist, Casas is best known for the Brown
his Humanscapes series of large-scale paintings created between
Paper Report and A Contingency Factor written when he assumed
1965 and 1989. Two of these paintings — Brownies of the Southwest
the presidency in 1971 of Con Safo, a Chicano art group he helped
and Barrio Dog — hang in the National Museum of American Art at
establish in the early 1960s. Visit www.melcasas.com.
CARLOS DONJUÁN Born April 17, 1982 in San Luis Potosi, San Luis, México | Resides in Dallas, Texas Carlos Donjuán’s work draws upon the diverse idea of people who
journey of what it has been like to create and understand his own
wear many masks while living in America to create and understand
identity in America to better understand his past, present and future.
their identity. His work explores and studies the people who are part
Donjuán received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from The University of
of this notion that is required for survival and self-understanding.
Texas at San Antonio and his Master of Fine Arts from The Univer-
Many of his paintings incorporate traditional portraiture technique
sity of Texas at Arlington. To date, his work has been shown in solo
with the transformative elements of graffiti, mixing the past and the
and group exhibitions throughout the United States and Europe.
present modes to make something new. His intent is to present the
Visit www.carlosdonjuan.com.
GASPAR ENRÍQUEZ Born July 18, 1942 in El Paso, Texas | Resides in San Elizario, Texas Texas-born Gaspar Enríquez studied at East Los Angeles College
Chicano Art: Resistance and Affirmation 1965-1985, which toured
and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of
the United States. He provides a significant voice for people of the
Texas at El Paso and his Master of Arts degree from New Mexico
communities along the United States-Mexico border. In describing
State University. He taught art at Bowie High School on the El Paso/
one of his works, Enriquez said, “one is born a Mexican-American,
Juárez border for 33 years until his retirement from teaching in 2003.
but one chooses to be a Chicano. Politically charged, the Chicano
His former students often provide inspiration for his work. Enríquez
lifestyle has been passed from one generation to another. It has
has been included in numerous exhibitions, including CARA–
survived wars, prisons, and strife.” Visit www.gasparenriquez.com.
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 74
JACINTO GUEVARA Born August 26, 1956 in Los Angeles, California | Resides in San Antonio, Texas Jacinto Guevara is an artist known for representational paintings
East L.A.). His first important exhibition was in 1990 at the Palmetto
of urban landscapes and life portraits – what he calls “celebrations
Gallery, founded by the mural art collective East Los Streetscapers.
of architecture, plants, animals, and even passersby.” He spent his
Of notable interest were his early paintings of the now-gone Temple
childhood in East L.A.’s Maravilla Housing Projects and later, after
Beaudry neighborhood, which he produced between 1987 and 1990.
studying at California State University, Northridge, moved to San
His artworks are found in major private and university collections.
Antonio, Texas in 1992 to further his dual career as a painter and as
Visit www.artejacintoguevara.com.
a conjunto musician (he performed in Cheech Marin’s film Born in
ADÁN HERNÁNDEZ Born October 15, 1951 in Childress, Texas | Resides in San Antonio, Texas The son of migrant workers, Adán Hernández has been actively
of life in the barrio. Here, the challenge to overcome overwhelming
painting for more than three decades. His work has been exhib-
adversity, which is celebrated in films, is a common occurrence.”
ited in museums and galleries in the United States, Mexico, and
For the 1993 cult-classic, Blood In…Blood Out, he was commis-
Spain. Hernández’s art merges neo-expressionism with “Chicano
sioned by film director Taylor Hackford (La Bamba) to create more
noir”. His aesthetics evoke emotions of alienation, uncertainty,
than 30 paintings and drawings. In 2006, he published his first book,
desperation, and loss, which dominate the Chicano experience. In
Los Vryosos: A Tale From the Varrio, which contains over 40 images
describing his work, Hernández says, ‘‘the high drama and highly
of his art. Visit https://adanhernandezarts.weebly.com.
charged content in my work reflects the day-to-day epic struggle
BENITO HUERTA Born April 30, 1952 in Corpus Christi, Texas | Resides in Arlington, Texas Benito Huerta’s nuanced work is rich with references to history, art
Art in Chicago, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, and Houston
history, pop culture, literature, and film. He received his Bachelor of
Museum of African American Culture. Huerta was Co-Founder, Exec-
Fine Arts from the University of Houston and his Master of Arts from
utive Director and Emeritus Board Director of Art Lies, a Texas art
New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. Since 1997, he has been
journal. He has previously received the Dallas Center for Contem-
Director and Curator of The Gallery at UTA, University of Texas at
porary Art’s Legend of the Year Award. Huerta has created major
Arlington where he is also a professor. His artwork has been featured
public art projects, and his work is in private and museum collections
in solo exhibits at venues such as the National Museum of Mexican
nationwide. Visit www.flyingchalupaproductions.com.
CÉSAR A. MARTÍNEZ Born June 4, 1944 in Laredo, Texas | Resides in San Antonio, Texas A major figure in the Chicano art movement since the 1970s, César
included in landmark exhibitions such as Ancient Roots/New Visions,
A. Martínez is best known for his iconic portraits of Chicano char-
Dále Gas: Chicano Art of Texas, CARA–Chicano Art: Resistance and
acters as depicted in his popular Bato series. He is also recognized
Affirmation 1965-1985, and Hispanic Art in the United States. The
for his Mestizo, South Texas and Serape series, which are executed
multimedia artist has shown his work at the McNay Art Museum,
in a wide range of media, including painting, prints, mixed-media,
San Antonio; National Museum of Mexican Art, Chicago; Museo
collage, found-material assemblages and constructions, and digital
de Arte Moderno, Mexico City; Museum of Fine Art, Houston; and
imagery that references cultural histories. His work has been
The Corcoran Gallery, Washington D.C.
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 75
JOE PEÑA Born August 16, 1971 in Laredo, Texas | Resides in Corpus Christi, Texas Joe Peña’s work explores issues of ethnic identity, including aspects
internationally, and his work is in several prestigious public and
of cultural and family traditions. His latest body of work is inspired
private collections. After working ten years in New York City, he was
by still life studies of various Flemish painters and his desire to
Public Arts Manager for Corpus Christi and later assumed the role
portray delicate intricacies of such raw material – his interpretations
of Gallery Director for Texas A&M University, which he continues
uniquely tie the subject matter to his own heritage as the types of
today. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts
meat depicted are commonly prepared in Hispanic households.
from Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi where he also currently
Peña regularly exhibits in galleries and museums nationally and
teaches courses in painting. Visit www.joepenastudio.com.
ALEX RUBIO Born December 3, 1968 in San Antonio, Texas | Resides in San Antonio, Texas San Antonio artist Alex Rubio began his career as a young muralist
artworks have been included in major exhibitions such as Cheech
with the Community Cultural Arts Organization in the Mirasol
Marin's nationally touring Chicano Visions, Psychedelic at the San
Housing Project. His artwork focuses on narrative drawings and
Antonio Museum of Art, Exodus at the Blue Star Contemporary,
paintings with mixed media based on images deeply rooted in
and Estampas De La Rasa at the McNay Museum of Art. Rubio has
his Latino American culture. In 2011, Rubio founded R Space, an
attained national recognition with art grants from the Joan Mitchell
artist-run space where he continues to curate monthly exhibits
Foundation in New York, Vermont Studio Center Fellowship in
introducing undiscovered, developing, and emerging artists in San
Vermont, ArtPace Foundation Residency Grant in London, and
Antonio. In 2016, Rubio founded Rubio Gallery-South, a contem-
ArtPace Foundation’s Artist-In-Residence Grant in San Antonio.
porary art space presenting emerging and early-career artists. His
RICARDO RUIZ Born December 29, 1958 in Corpus Christi, Texas | Resides in Corpus Christi, Texas Ricardo Ruiz’s paintings often include the themes of family, the
Images usually come to Ruiz in those moments between sleep
cycles of life and death, and Mexican-American folklore. When-
and wakefulness – sometimes they make no sense to him, and
ever he needs a human presence in his work, he usually paints his
it’s only later that he is able to decipher and depict them visually.
family members from memory (as a child, his sister and brothers
Ruiz creates what “Chicano art should be: well painted, familiar
served as models, and as a father himself now, his three boys
and mysterious,” according to Cheech Marin. His work is in the
provide inspiration). For example, his Masotas series were inspired
permanent collections of the Art Museum of South Texas and the
by childhood visits to his aunt’s home, spent watching his older
University of Texas. Visit www.ricardo-ruiz.net.
cousin Esmeralda and her friends get ready to go out to parties.
MARTA SÁNCHEZ Born March 12, 1959 in San Antonio, Texas | Resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania In addition to her works on paper and metal, Marta Sánchez has
painting. Sánchez credits her experience growing up as a Chicana
painted interior murals and floor paintings. She also founded Casca-
in Texas and with Mexican retablos—prayer paintings on metal
rone por la Vida (Shell for Life), an annual fundraiser benefiting chil-
depicting hope—as the source for her artistic perspective. Her
dren with AIDS and the homeless in Philadelphia. Sánchez received
works, including Train Series in memory of her father and her old
a Master of Fine Arts from Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia and
neighborhood, have been featured in exhibitions around the United
a Bachelor of Fine Arts from University of Texas in Austin, both in
States and México. Visit www.artedemarta.com.
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 76
VINCENT VALDEZ Born September 7, 1977 in San Antonio, Texas | Resides in Houston, Texas A native Texan, Vincent Valdez earned his Bachelor of Fine Art at
of Art at the University of Notre Dame, Parsons School of Design
the Rhode Island School of Design. He has focused his career on
in Paris, Espacio de Arte de Fundación in Buenos Aires, and David
the practice of drawing and painting. Recognized for his inten-
Winton Bell Gallery at Brown University. His work is in numerous
sive devotion to skill and detail, his monumental portrayal of the
private and public collections, including The Museum of Fine Arts
contemporary figure remarks on a universal struggle within various
Houston and the Ford Foundation. He held residencies at The Joan
socio-political arenas and eras. Among many, his work has been
Mitchell Foundation, The Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculp-
exhibited at Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Jack S. Blanton
ture, and Künstlerhaus Bethanien. Visit www.vincentvaldezart.com.
Museum of Art at The University of Texas at Austin, Snite Museum
ANDY A. VILLARREAL Born November 10, 1954 in San Antonio, Texas | Resides in San Antonio, Texas Andy A. Villarreal is passionate about Mesoamerican indigenous
institutions, including museums, universities and galleries, and
cultures inspired by his travels to Yucatan and Mexico, which adds
can be found in many permanent collections across the country.
energy and intensity to his work. With vivid colors and various
For the past 25 years, Villarreal has taught and continues to teach
techniques, he transforms the cultures into a stylized original art
at the university level.
form. His work has been exhibited internationally in numerous
The Cheech Marin Collection Cheech Marin is best known as one half of the hilariously irrev-
portfolio series of selected works from Marin’s notable art collec-
erent duo of Cheech and Chong. While primarily known as an
tion from which 50 editions were donated to major museums
actor, director, and performer, he has developed what is arguably
and universities worldwide. Two years later, Richardson Banks
the finest private collection of Chicano art in the world. Since he
began managing Cheech’s growing Chicano art collection and
started collecting in the late 1980s, to date, he has accumulated
now handles booking, marketing, and managing traveling exhibi-
over 700 works of art; the majority of which are paintings followed
tions as well as publishing, marketing and distributing art books.
by prints, mixed-media works, sculptures, and photography. Since 2005, touring exhibits include The Chicano Collection/La Marin declares, “Chicano art is American art. My goal is to bring
Colección Chicana, Papel Chicano: Works on Paper from the Collec-
the term ‘Chicano’ to the forefront of the art world.” This objective
tion of Cheech Marin, Chicanitas: Small Paintings from the Cheech
led to his producing and touring of exhibitions featuring works
Marin Collection, and Papel Chicano Dos: Works on Paper from the
from his collection, starting in 2001 with Chicano Visions: American
Collection of Cheech Marin. Exhibits have also been produced for
Painters on the Verge, which broke attendance records during its
LACMA (Los Angelenos: Chicano Painters of L.A.), Art Museum of
groundbreaking 15‐city, six-year tour across the United States.
South Texas (Menudo: Chicano Art from the Cheech Marin Collec-
In 2003, Corpus Christi native Melissa Richardson Banks was
and Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum (Take 10: The Past Decade
introduced to Marin by master printer and artist Richard S. Duardo.
of Collecting by Cheech Marin).
tion and Los Tejanos: Chicano Art from the Cheech Marin Collection),
Together, the three produced The Chicano Collection / La Colección Chicana: Fine Art Prints by Modern Multiples, a limited-edition
Visit www.cheechmarin.com.
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 7 7
ARTWORK CHECKLIST Listed in alphabetical order
now on tour. The copyright of any artwork images is owned by
by last name, the artwork listed below is included in Cheech Marin’s
each artist or, if deceased at or after time of publication, by their
art collection, compiled in this book, and included in an exhibition
respective named estates.
Jari “Werc” Álvarez
Adán Hernández
Coyotes (part of Coyotes y Pollitos diptych), 2008 mixed media on board, 13″ h × 13″ w
Drive-by Asesino, 1992 oil on canvas, 60.25″ h × 55″ w
Pollitos (part of Coyotes y Pollitos diptych), 2008 mixed media on board, 13″ h × 13″ w
La Bomba (Explosion), 1992 oil on canvas, 59″ h × 56.75″ w
Tacos y Cocktales, 2013 mixed media collage on panel, 14″ h × 14.5″ w
El Gato Negro, 1998 pastel on paper, 52.50″ h × 44.25″ w
Toca el Pito, 2012 mixed media collage on panel, 24″ h × 60″ w
La Sad Girl, 2003 oil on canvas, 72"h x 64″ w
Melesio (Mel) Casas Baker's Dozen, 1990 acrylic on canvas, 24″ h × 24″ w It was a Full Moon, 1990 acrylic on canvas, 24″ h × 24″ w
Carlos Donjuán Nasty Nez, 2009 mixed media on birch panel, 72″ h × 48″ w R-U Ready, 2009 mixed media on birch panel, 48″ h × 72″ w
Gaspar Enríquez Charolito, 2009 acrylic on paper, 48″ h × 36″ w Ojos De Miel, 1995 acrylic on paper, 48.25″ h × 36.25″ w
Jacinto Guevara Del Bravo Records, 2016 acrylic on wood panel, 36″ h × 48″ w La Fantasía de Flatonia, 2013 acrylic on wood panel, 36″ h × 48″ w
La Viuda (The Widow), 2017 oil on canvas, 36″ h × 36″ w The Death of Chuey, El Picudo, 1994 oil on canvas, 14.5″ h × 16.25″ w
Benito Huerta Noches de la Frontera, 2003 oil on canvas, 84″ h × 84″ w
César A. Martínez Bato with Green Glasses (El Mosco), 2005 acrylic on paper, 36.75″ h × 29.25″ w La Copetona, 2001 charcoal/pastel on paper, 33.5″ h × 25.75″ w Sylvia with Chango's Letter Jacket, 2000 oil on canvas, 54″ h × 44″ w
Joe Peña 1:15 am, Final Stop, 2016 oil on canvas, 36″ h × 47.5″ w Late Night Elote, 2016 oil on panel, 20″ h × 24″ w
Alex Rubio
Sam's Burger Joint, 2016 acrylic on wood panel, 36"h x 48″ w
Espíritu, 2003 acrylic on wood panel, 32″ h × 21.75″ w
Tzinaca Yóllotl, 2017 acrylic on wood panel, 36″ h × 48″ w
The Backstabbers, 1998 acrylic on paper, 34″ h × 44 ″ w
Untitled, 2016 acrylic on wood panel, 39″ h × 48″ w
Los Tejanos Chicano A rt | From the Collection of Cheech Marin 78
Ricardo Ruiz El Viaje Del Regalo, 2011 oil on canvas, 36″ h × 48″ w La Envidiosa II, 2016 oil on canvas, 36″ h × 36″ w La Noche Extraña, 2012 acrylic on canvas, 24″ h × 30″ w La Verdad Kali, 2017 oil on canvas, 36″ h × 36″ w
Marta Sánchez Cosa Dulce Mi Corazon (Heart for Cheech & Natasha), 2009 oil on tin, 6/50, 13″ h × 13″ w La Danza (The Dance), 1994 oil on canvas, 60.5″ h × 36.5″ w
Vincent Valdez Christmas en LA, 2009 serigraph, 14"h x 25″ w Marcando el Territorio (Marking the Territory) , 1999 acrylic house paint on wood panel with bandana frame, 19″ h × 29″ w The Death of Wino, (Grandpa Gabriel Santana), 2002 pastel on roofing paper, 82″ h × 58″ w
Andy A. Villarreal The Angel That Watches Over Me, 2004 oil on wood panel, 53.5"h x 101″ w
G
DETAIL: La Envidiosa II by Ricardo Ruiz, 2016
Jari "Werc" Álvarez
Melesio (Mel) Casas
Carlos Donjuán
Gaspar Enríquez
Jacinto Guevara
Adán Hernández
César A. Martínez
Benito Huerta
Joe Peña
Alex Rubio
Ricardo Ruiz
Marta Sánchez
Vincent Valdez
Andy A. Villarreal