What does it mean to see your culture reflected on the walls of your college? For many students, this new exhibit is more than just art; it’s a representation.
The COC Art Gallery is featuring Divine Rite: Rasquache Relics by Los Angeles artist Jacqueline Valenzuela, whose work blends Chicano identity, low-rider culture, and community pride.
“If you’re making work like this or interested in making work about your culture, your community, I say just do it, honestly,” said Jacqueline Valenzuela, artist.
“For one, you’ll meet other artists who have had similar experiences, so it validates you, right? And then on the other hand, maybe other people in your community will see your work and realize that they can be in these spaces too,” said Valenzuela.
“I think that’s what’s most important is just making work you actually want to make and that you actually love making,” said Valenzuela.
For students, this exhibition is not only a chance to see professional art up close, but a reminder that their own stories and backgrounds belong in spaces like this.
“Definitely felt very welcoming, very homey. Definitely reminded me of Chicano culture, especially as somebody who grew up in the San Fernando Valley,” said Frida Avila-Lozano, College of the Canyons student.
“It reminded me of a lot of the things I have seen around the community. So it was definitely my first, like, whoa,” said Avila-Lozano.
The gallery will host an artist talk with Jacqueline on October 16, giving the community and students a chance to hear more about her creative process and inspiration.
