ENRIQUÉ CHAGOYA
Mexican Painter & Print-maker
It is hard to find nowadays artists whose focus is immigration. While doing some research I came across one of Mexico's gifts, Enriqué Chagoya. Chagoya is a Mexican painter & print-maker, born in Mexico City in 1953. Raised by an Indian wet-nurse, his paintings transcend his respect, love and appreciation for Mexico's Indigenous peoples and their histories. In 1977, he immigrated to the U.S. with his wife. Living his own experience as an immigrant, Chagoya has eliminated the mental borders that separate people, and has placed them on paper and canvas. His art transcends messages of social and political activism, and demonstrates a high degree of intellectuality. Beyond his skill, I fell in love with his messages about immigration, the nightmare, and its dark side.
Bottom: Crossing I, 1944. Acrylic and Oil on Paper.
Top: Friendly Cannibals.
