The History in the Making project seeks to honor the Chicano/a mural tradition that developed 50 years ago in Colorado, of using public art in service to the people and communities that are historically dehumanized and oppressed in U.S. society. More importantly, this artistic legacy proudly depicted the cultural heritage of historically marginalized communities while simultaneously creating a sense of place, in an effort to make space for new paths forward. Through evocative imagery, artists: K’ierre Dawkins, Leticia Tanguma, Aisha Renee and Jeremy Silas Ulibarri (aka JOLT) were invited by Lucha Martínez de Luna, Curator of Latino Heritage, to create a series of paintings that describe current events and the fears and hopes of communities across Colorado and the nation.
Three of these works of art: In The Act Of, Save Some Democracy For Me, and U.S. Democracy / Rose of the Revolution will be on view during the run of the opened American Democracy exhibition at the History Colorado Center, where they will encourage an active discussion about our vibrant democracy.
The fourth work of art, No Justice, No Peace, is in History Colorado’s permanent collection but was not displayed during the American Democracy Exhibition in 2020. Artist Statement: “My piece is a collaborative expression utilizing the voices of many friends that visited my studio during the process including poet Bobby Lefebre, photographer Juan Fuentes, activist Isabel Barajas, amongst many others including our children. It is not intended to be a pretty painting, but the expression echoed by graffiti vandalism helping to erase the falsification of heroism in our society. No justice, No peace!”