Why the Latine presence is needed within the art space

Art is a way for many to express who they are and their personal experiences, a form of expression that needs the Latine voice.

The Latine community has come a long way in carving their own space in different sectors of society. This includes film, tv, writing, business and a few others. A space in which they have made sure that their voice is heard is within the art world. Art is a way for people to tell their stories through pictures and their own creativity. It gives people a way and an outlet to show who they are or what they are feeling without having to physically say anything.

Having a Latine presence in the art world is important because it’s another way to express the Latine culture and what it means to be Latine. It’s a way to showcase the highs and lows of a group of people that are usually overlooked or met with judgment. Immersing Latine’s in art also gives other people, who are not Latine, a chance to look into who they are as people and not just another marginalized group.

“When it comes to our culture, we should be honoring who we are, bringing pride back to our communities because once we have pride in our communities we are going to take care of our communities. Once you know who you are, then you start loving who you are,” explains Kathleen Gallegos, founder and director of Avenue 50 Studio, an art presentation organization in Los Angeles, California.

Like what many Latine’s are trying to achieve with their art, Avenue 50 Studio is striving to give Latine’s a chance to show their own experience of being Latine with their artwork.

“We primarily exhibit the work of artists from all Latinx backgrounds. But being in a multicultural community we open it up to other cultures so they can join us and support and to know and to learn from each other through shared exhibitions,” said Gallegos, “There was a real great need for galleries for our Latinx artists. They were not being accepted, there had to be a place where our [community] could seriously exhibit their work and so we decided to change up the studio space into a gallery space.”

Having a Latine presence within art is not just a want but a necessity. Not only is it a way to tell Latine stories but it’s also a way to honor those stories, those cultures, without feeling like they will be looked down upon. The art space is a place that is safe to celebrate what is different and not the norm, especially in modern-day America. Stories are usually expected to be told through the written word but with an outlet such as art, those stories reach a new imaginative level that is sometimes beyond what is initially expected.

Without Latine’s in art or Latine art, an essential part to not just history but American history as well, is lost. In making sure Latine’s continue to hold their place in the art sector, the Latine story and the various elements it entails are being protected from ultimately being muddled into a vast space filled with millions of other voices. Securing their place can insure that at least their culture is always being broadcasted to those who want to listen.

Avenue 50 Studio is currently open on a part-time basis. To learn more about any exhibitions for this upcoming year, please visit avenue50studio.org.