Armando Aguirre

My work aims to reclaim the Mexican American narrative in the United States. To empower and motivate young people of color, and contribute to the emerging generation of artists who share their stories and values through resistance art. The everlasting influence of my parent's stories and heritage inspired me to expand and develop my understanding of the Latino culture. While attending the University of Texas at Dallas, I became aware of Chicano history, poetry, and art. I felt empowered by the work that had been laid down by Chicano artists. The idea that I could create meaningful art that shared my family’s background took hold of my artistic practice.

            I bring attention to the largest growing minority in the state of Texas; Latinos, who have been slandered by media outlets and underrepresented in Texas politics. In my work I show pride and honor in representing both my birthplace and my parents cultural roots. I challenge cultural assimilation by offering the young generation artwork that represents their family outside from themselves. I hope by sharing the migrant’s story, young Latinos can see themselves reflected in the larger culture and in turn not feel invisible. Growing up influences like hip-hop, Spanglish, gangsta movies and Chicano’s from Los Angeles were the images that resonated with my life experience. Since I saw myself in these images I tried my best to fit the part, but as I become older underlying issues become clear to me. Topics of family, identity, history and change are the messages I perceive. These same influences taught me that family does not begin at blood ties or end at friends. What I had thought of, as my own identity became part of something bigger. It extended to all those who were once part of, and still were in my life. There is no shame in such a rich background and history. Finally, that we are not bound by our past experiences. We cannot separate ourselves from them, but we can become better because of them.

            My biggest aspiration is that my work communicates with people of color in ways that words cannot. I stand by my work, my background and narrative. I create work that reflects my family’s heritage in order to preserve as much of their origin in me. My parents came to this country working tobacco fields in North and South Carolina and picking fruits in orange groves and apple orchards. I realize that I am my parent’s produce and they did not traverse such barriers for me to squander. Where I come from and the opportunity I have is the driving force that mobilizes me to create an authentic and powerful narrative for the underrepresented.