Mexic-Arte Museum
Exhibition Design, Branding, Art Direction
2016
Now in its 21st year, the Young Latino Artists (YLA) exhibition has historically provided emerging Latina/o artists with professional-level museum experience and exposure. Guest curated by David “Shek” Vega, YLA 21: Amexican@ focuses on Latina/o artists who grew up as part of the Millennial Generation. Art produced by Millennials reflects an inner dialogue that resonates with their Latina/o upbringing, nostalgia, the influence of the digital age, and the current cultural climate in the United States. The '@' symbol in the title replaces the 'a' or 'o' feminine/masculine in the Spanish language. When referring to a group one would traditionally say 'Latino' even if the majority of the group were female, but to counter the patriarchal nature of the language, the usage of the '@' sign has gained popularity (as well as replacing the 'a'/'o' with the genderless 'x'). The '@' also references the symbols common presence in digital media, from emails to Instagram handles.
“We are Mexican, we are American, we are the creation of Amexican@.”
– David “Shek” Vega, Curator.
– David “Shek” Vega, Curator.