Chicano Now! American Expressions

Produced to accompany “Chicano Visions: American Painters on the Verge,” “Chicano Now! American Expressions” is a 5,000-sq.-ft. interactive exhibition that weaves tradition, history, and humor into multimedia expressions of what it means to be Chicano in terms of work, family, style, and identity. What it means to be Chicano is little understood. Chicanos have had a profound influence on this country’s customs, food, fashion, music, language, religion, sports and more. America’s Mexican heritage predates the formation of our country. Chicano ancestors have been here since before the Pilgrims, before the Founding Fathers, before the United States itself. The fabric of America includes a Chicano strain so strong, so essential, that it blends seamlessly into the whole. Chicano Now shines a spotlight on this rich culture.

The nation’s premiere Chicano performing and independent film artists are featured, including Culture Clash, Guillermo Gómez-Peña, Lourdes Portillo, George López, Paul Rodrìguez, Robert Rodrìguez, and Gustavo Vazquez. Visitors can select a song on the jukebox, try salsa dancing, get behind the wheel of a lowrider, and learn more about the many contributions Chicanos have made to U.S. culture.