A vibrant exhibit at the Vault Gallery inside the Downtown Phoenix campus Library puts a new focus on Mexican and Chicano/a artwork. Displaying the work of seven Mexican and Chicano/a artists, “De-Construction: by Popular Demand” features artworks that range from mixed media and raku to acrylic on canvas. This exhibit is the second opportunity that Jackie Young from the ASU Library and Marco Albarran from CALACA teamed up to highlight Mexican and Chicano/a perspectives, stories and popular cultures with the Downtown Phoenix campus community.
“For generations, Chicano/a and Mexican cultures have followed traditional ways by incorporating contemporary changes to core customs,” said Marco Albarran, co-curator and one of the exhibiting artists. “The exhibit and artists clearly annotate the value of cultures in changing societies. The hope is that ASU students, staff and faculty, as well as visitors to the library will look at the art and briefly grasp the theme message and artist's intentions in broadening the diversity of the people, history and continuous influence of living cultures.”
The exhibit showcases new and established artists from the areas of Yuma, Tucson, and the Phoenix area including: Larry Yanez, Art Castro, Roxana Vidal, Xavier Valenzuela (Lulus Arte), Mary Ann Rodriguez, Sharah Nieto and Marco Albarran.
Founded in 2003 for the development of art initiatives in the preservation and promotion of Chicano/a and Indigenous Cultural Arts, CALACA promotes mutual cultural experiences that are developed from layers of tradition, history and social norms. The organization embraces community involvement, partnerships and collaborations among small and large cultural institutions.
Albarran and Young previously collaborated on another CALACA exhibit during the summer of 2022. The response to that exhibit was so positive that many ASU staff and students requested the library work with CALACA again. “We are overjoyed that these fabulous works of art are now here when our very large number of patrons can be here to enjoy them in our space,” said Young, public services specialist with the ASU Library and curator of the Vault Gallery.
For Young, it’s about seeing the students interact with these pieces. “The Vault Gallery sits inside the lower level of the UNCENT Building,” said Young. “Being able to showcase these incredible works of art brightens the space and helps to connect students with the Downtown Phoenix campus Library. Students have a lot they are juggling with school and work, and I’ve observed many students stopping before one of the paintings, contemplating, and taking a photo or selfie with it and then go about their day.”
Since it opened in mid-August, “De-Construction” has proved to be a popular exhibit, with many students, staff and the library’s student workers taking photos of pieces and sharing their favorites. “I love the artwork in this exhibit and particularly the vibrant Frida Kahlo piece that sorta jumps right out of the wall to capture your attention every time you walk in the area,” said Malaysia, a student worker at the ASU Library.
Young continues to receive questions and inquiries about what upcoming exhibits will be featured at the Vault Gallery.
“When I let patrons know what exhibits will be coming soon, they often let me know how much they look forward to seeing what amazing talent exists in our Arizona cultural community of arts as well as the deep pool of talent from within our School of Art,” said Young.
“De-Construction” will be on display until December 8, 2023.
ASU students, staff and faculty can use their SunCard to access the exhibit during regular library hours. Community members can make an appointment with Jackie Young by emailing jacqueline.young@asu.edu.