Los Tejanos: Chicano Art from the Cheech Marin Collection

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of which is also rooted in historical references.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