Rodriguez Searching for Sugarman. De La Ventana art

guest column by Pocho Joe

Sixto Diaz Rodriguez was born in 1942 to Mexican parents who immigrated to the United States in or about the 1920’s. Sixto and his siblings were hijos and hijas of the immigration history de la frontera.

His parents settled in Detroit, Michigan, only to secure permanent work in the foundries and auto factories in the post World War II victory boom. Sixto had to learn English and assimilate as a child in order to belong to the Detroit Public School system, but more importantly, not to be viewed as an alien presence in Motown. Sixto is a genius. During the 1960’s and ‘70’s his talents were invisible, ignored and devalued.

A 2012 documentary, Searching for Sugarman was released, telling his story. This is a tale that William Shakespeare, the Bible nor Beowulf could have imagined! Beyond the fantastic Sixto biography, this documentary represents how our gente’s talents, genius and contributions to culture are silenced, denied and just plain disregarded. Sixto should be both a Chicano noble as well as an American icon.

Tal vez, do yourself a favor and check out this superbly presented bio-doc. Ójala que you will agree not only with his perspective, but with the perspective that ought to be.

Malinche by De La Ventana

Hispanic Art Exhibit, Pueblo, Colo. 

By coincidence(?), La Bloga also received the following from a reader:

The art of De La Ventana (aka Pocho Joe and Darold Vigil) will be part of the 2012 Colorado State Fair’s Hispanic Art Exhibit, Aug. 23 – Sept. 3, 2012.

A reception will be held on Sat., September 1 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Cultural Heritage Center on the fair grounds. There is a charge for admission to the Fair but this exhibit is free.

Sincerely,

De La Ventana

Hispanic Art Exhibit  – 11am–10pm

The Hispanic Art Exhibit will celebrate its 12th anniversary this year at the Colorado State Fair. Coordinated by El Escritorio Publishing, the exhibit will showcase Hispanic art and culture through an art exhibit at the Cultural Heritage Center in Triangle Park. This year’s theme is “Tradition, Imagination and Innovation” in Hispanic art.

This year’s artists will be John Mendoza and his beautiful watercolor paintings, David Ocelotl Garcia, a Denver muralist, Brian Palomar, Sofia Hernandez, Trisha Hernandez, Marcos Polito, Inez Sanchez, Claudia Perez, De La Ventana, Robert Martinez, Philip Salazar, Anita Rodriguez, Evelyn Martinez and more. Don’t miss this colorful exhibit.

Colorado State Fair, 1001 Beulah Ave., Pueblo, Colo., 10am - 11pm

General Admission, Friday thru Sunday–$10

Children 5 and under free (accompanied by an adult)

From the Fair website: "The pseudonym, De La Ventana was selected because of the artist's belief that the focus of art in any form should be about the art and not a subjective spotlight on the art maker. Art should stimulate and evoke a range of emotions from the viewer as well as push their perceptual and cognitive boundaries. Ventana (window) is also a metaphor for the view from one’s opening mind. He uses a myriad of subject matter to explore his Chicano-Mestizo historical and cultural roots with pride.

"Currently he is an on-air radio host in Denver at public radio station KUVO, 89.3. He uses yet another pseudonym, Pocho Joe, during his radio program called La Raza Rocks heard Sundays from 1:00p.m. - 2:00p.m. He believes, as in his art, the radio show’s focus should be about the musical artists, their stories and messages in the music rather than the DJ. You can stream KUVO on-line here."

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RudyG: So today's two cultural news pieces are by the same person, only under two (are there more?) pseudonyms, but his real name is not included. I wasn't able to locate a photo for either pseudonym. Go to the Fair to see one of his pseudonym faces or to KUVO to hear his voice.

I'll put in my own recommendation on De La Ventana's artwork, because I'm one of the lucky handful with one. They are distinctive, chicanada fine art and wonderful to behold. Plus, Cheech Marin has nothing like them. Oh, and his radio selections are suave.

Es todo, hoy,

RudyG