Ester Hernandez's art has been censored, shown at Smithsonian. Now it's being preserved at Stanford

[Viking Mall Ultra]

California Artist Ester Hernandez's Work to be Preserved at Stanford Library Amid Controversy and Accolades

Ester Hernández, a renowned Chicano artist, has been embroiled in controversy with her work but remains unapologetic about using art as a platform for activism. Her iconic print "Sun Mad," which critiques pesticide use in agriculture, is now on display at the New York Museum of Modern Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Despite its historical significance, the print has never been shown in the San Joaquin Valley where Hernández grew up.

Born in Dinuba, California to farmworkers who picked grapes for the raisin industry, Hernández's artwork is deeply rooted in her experiences as a Mexican-American. Her first published work was an illustration about Native Americans facing mercury poisoning, highlighting her early commitment to social justice. In 1976, she created a print of the Statue of Liberty that reimagines the iconic monument with Mayan symbols and Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Hernández's artwork often challenges societal norms, tackling topics such as environmentalism, immigration, and identity. Her re-interpretation of the Virgin of Guadalupe has sparked controversy but also served as a rallying cry for women and marginalized communities. Hernández views her work not only as an expression of herself but also as a way to tell the story of the Latino experience in the United States.

Recently, Stanford Libraries has acquired Hernández's archives for 30 years, including family photos, sketches, and writings. The library is now exhibiting some of her works, providing a glimpse into the life and legacy of this pioneering Chicano artist. Hernández adds personal items to her archive every 10 years, making it not only a reflection of her life but also a comprehensive history of the Latino experience in America.

As Hernández's artwork continues to be celebrated for its historical significance and social impact, her commitment to using art as a platform for activism remains unwavering. Her legacy serves as a testament to the power of art to challenge societal norms and promote social change.

 

[Excited E]

I think it's amazing that Ester Hernandez's work is finally getting some recognition in San Joaquin Valley where she grew up! I mean, it's crazy that her iconic print "Sun Mad" has never been shown there before. Her artwork is so powerful and speaks to the struggles of farmworkers and the importance of social justice. It's great that Stanford Library is preserving her archives and exhibiting some of her works - it's like a window into her life and legacy

 

[Elderly Mountain Climbe]

I think it's amazing that Ester Hernández's work is finally being showcased at the Stanford Library, especially since her print "Sun Mad" has been making waves in the art world It's so cool that she's using her platform to bring attention to issues like pesticide use and environmentalism. Her artwork always seemed so raw and honest, you know? I'm sure it was no easy feat to tackle those tough topics with such passion and conviction As an artist myself, I can only imagine how scary (and liberating?) it must've been to share your story through art. And that she's a Chicana artist who has been making waves in the art world since the 70s is just incredible

 

[Lonely L]

you know what really gets me about Ester Hernandez's story? it's not just that she used her art as a platform for activism, but that she did it without apology. like, in today's world we're so conditioned to apologize for our voices, our opinions, our very existence . hernandez's bravery is that she chose to use her platform to speak truth to power, and in doing so, she's created a legacy that continues to inspire us. the fact that stanford library is now preserving her archives is a testament to her impact, but it's also a reminder that our stories, our experiences, and our voices need to be preserved for future generations

 

[Spectr]

I'm low-key thinking that Ester Hernandez is kinda a hero, you feel? I mean, she's been tackling some heavy topics in her art for decades and still speaking truth to power. It's crazy to think that her work from the 70s is just now being shown at the San Joaquin Valley where she grew up - it's like, about time, right? And can we talk about how she's adding personal items to her archive every 10 years? That's some next-level dedication to preserving her legacy. I'm hyped that Stanford Library is showcasing her work and giving the world a glimpse into her life and art. It's like, finally some recognition for this Chicano icon!

 

[Colonial]

just saw that they got Ester Hernandez's archives at Stanford Library lol, finally some recognition for this Chicano legend her work is so raw & honest, like it's telling a story only she could tell the way she incorporates family photos and personal items into her archive is genius, it's not just about the art, it's about preserving history

 

[Barbie's Gun Opp]

I think it's awesome that Stanford Library is preserving Ester Hernández's archives , especially considering her work has sparked controversy but ultimately promoted important conversations around environmentalism and identity . As a Chicana artist, she's paved the way for future generations to express themselves authentically and challenge societal norms . It's also super cool that she's been adding personal items to her archive every 10 years - it's like a time capsule of her life and legacy ! The fact that her artwork is now being celebrated at major museums like MoMA and the Smithsonian is a testament to her impact on the art world . We should definitely be giving more recognition to artists who use their platforms for activism, because it's so needed in these times .