By Lourdes Espinoza
An artistic look back at a day in history of Chicanos during the Vietnam War is captured through an exhibit titled “After The Gold Rush: Reflections and Postscripts on the National Chicano Moratorium of August 29th, 1970.”
An opening reception will be held this Saturday, the 17, at the Small Gallery inside the Vincent Price Art Museum from 6 to 8 p.m.
After The Gold Rush focuses on a day in history which nearly everyone in the East Los Angeles area can certainly relate to.
It portrays the details surrounding the Chicano Moratorium of the ’70s.
The Chicano Moratorium was held as a march and rally opposing the Vietnam War and the disproposionate number of Chicano and minority soldiers in Vietnam.
The Chicano Moratorium ended with an outbreak of violence, arrests, injuries and three deaths.
The injustice served by authority figures during this rally is the emphasis of After The Gold Rush.
In this exhibit visitors can expect to see works from nearly 30 artists.
They include works from Jesus Barraza who is known for his excellent graphic designs and his extensive involvement with affirmative action and social justice through many organizational and educational mediums.
Visitors can also appreciate photographic images from Isabel Avila herself along with fascinating art from Will Herron III, who is better known for his murals.
There are works from Gala Porras-Kim, Victor Estrada, Diego J. Garza, Estella Gonzalez and many more.
Entering this exhibit, one can expect to experience art in all forms of mediums.
There are paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, graphics, film and video, and even a sound piece among others.
After The Gold Rush is a vision that guest curator, Vincent Ramos, has organized in order to share some historical context with the Chicano people of East Los Angeles and its surrounding area.
With the help of every artist involved, Ramos’ vision covers the inequality many Latino people face today and the steps they have taken to have their voices heard.
This exhibit is meant to bring together a culture which is rich in historical background.
It is a perfect backdrop for anyone wanting to learn more about their Chicano heritage.
This exhibit has a clear emphasis on the Chicano Moratorium to better teach people of the discrimination of this day, what it stood for and how it continues to be a moment in history not forgotten.
The artists involved are an array of different age groups which help incorporate quality into the exhibit and the art portrayed.
Some of the artists were even present during the Chicano Moratorium further adding originality and a first-hand account.
This day is memorialized and in the present time stands as a testament of strength in the most creative and artistic of ways for Chicanos and anyone wanting to learn more about this culture.
After The Gold Rush is free and open to the public from Sept. 16 until Dec. 16 at the Vincent Price Art Museum located in S1.