Mexic-Arte Museum
Exhibition Design, Identity
2016
Now in its 21st year, the Young Latino Artists (YLA) exhibition has historically provided emerging Latinx artists with professional-level museum experience and exposure. Guest curated by David “Shek” Vega, YLA 21: Amexican@ focuses on Latinx artists who grew up as part of the millennial generation. Art produced by millennials reflects an inner dialogue that resonates with their Latinx 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