By Jisele Garcia,
Co-Editor-in-Chief
Porcelain white, soft calla lilies paired with rich, sunset orange sunflowers. These images are ingrained into my memory as the framed paintings of Diego Rivera and Simon Silva generously dressed the interior of my childhood home.
I grew up in my grandparents’ home, submerged in Nicaraguan and Mexican culture despite myself being Puerto Rican and Salvadoran. I was drawn to and analyzed the pretty paintings, but, since I was very young, I never thought critically about the importance of the art.
My favorite pieces to look at were “The Flower Vendor” by Rivera and “Amor Eterno” by Silva. I loved Rivera’s earthy colors and the distinct, rustic style while Silva demonstrated mesmerizing, warm, vibrant pigments and expressive movement, but never thought beyond the images in front of me.
Since my pre-adolescence, the U.S. school system shoved eurocentric art culture down my throat to the point where I only knew of artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo; individuals who didn’t look like my family and didn’t attempt to portray them.
Reaching the formative years of my late teens, I’ve become increasingly aware of the importance of culture and how I feel disconnected from it or that I’m not enough. This disconnection is rooted in insecurities where I wonder if I’m doing enough to learn the customs and history that my ancestors suffered much to retain.
I’ve committed to appreciating numerous facets of my culture, one being art. Though Rivera and Silva aimed to showcase Mexican/Chicano culture, their art represents many Latino identities—our origins, struggles, differences and the strength of our communities. Rivera illustrates the brutalization of the working class, indigenous Latinos held down by calla lilies—the higher, wealthy classes. Meanwhile Silva paints the love, warmth and hope that is used to empower Latino communities despite the systemic injustices they endure.
For those also struggling with cultural identity in this context, I’ve learned that it’s okay to take time in understanding your familial origins. Eventually or instantly, you’ll find the things you love most about your culture, and decide to carry on to future generations who will treasure it as much as you do.