Chicano Art Is Here To Stay

The Cheech Marin Center, a new museum that opened on June 18, is a collection of Mexican American artwork donated by actor and cannabis supporter Cheech Marin, who established himself in cinema and television before becoming one-half of the legendary stoner comedy combo Cheech & Chong in the 1970s. His love for Chicano art was sparked in the late 1980s. With the benefit of his lengthy roles on the television show Nash Bridges and his work as a voice actor for Disney animated films like The Lion King, Cars, Coco, and Beverly Hills Chihuahua, Marin has been capable of funding his collection. The collection has been displayed at more than 50 museums, including LACMA, the Smithsonian, and San Francisco’s De Young, even though several arts organizations are against showcasing private collections. The collection will have a permanent home in sunny Riverside, California. Marin’s unbeatable collection will be utilized by the museum and its educational component—which will include a filmmaking lecture taught by director Robert Rodriguez—to examine important issues, such as the difference between those who classify as Chicano and the (typically younger) generation who associate with the term “Latino.” As a young woman who identifies as Latina, this is a needed thing.

There are two levels to The Cheech. The exhibition downstairs features works by the late painter Carlos Almaraz, who is the subject of the 2020 Netflix documentary Playing With Fire; Glugio “Gronk” Nicandro, a multidisciplinary artist who was a part of the Dada-inspired East L.A. collective; Patssi Valdez; Carlos Almaraz; Sandy Rodriguez; Frank Romero; Gilbert “ Magú” Lujań, and Judithe Hernández. I enjoyed the bottom level of the museum because it shows many works by different artists and their different techniques and because they’re very relatable to us Latin people. The “Aunt Helen” painting by Michael Alvarez was one of my personal favorites. This image struck a chord with me because it brought back bittersweet memories of spending the weekend with family at a cookout in the park, enjoying each other’s company, and enjoying my grandma’s food. To me, this image captures the essence of family unity created by my grandparents. Some other great paintings that were shown were “Wachando the Water” by Pablo Andres Cristi and “Consuelo From East LA” by James McClung.

The exhibition upstairs, by Einar and Jamex de la Torre, wasn’t my favorite part of the whole museum. It didn’t really feel like it was art. For example, there are some pieces that are kind of scary and not really enjoyable to see, like a video depicting what looked like a devilish cult screaming in the forest and a picture that just showed an image of carne. I like different kinds of arts: abstract, black-and-white paintings, sketches, pastels, etc., but personally, unearthly imagery isn’t my favorite. I like happy art that I can put in my room, something that will brighten my mood. I wouldn’t be able to sleep if I had something like the de la Torre brothers’ artwork in my room. One piece I did enjoy upstairs was a vase with a distorted portrait. It has multiple colors that make the art piece come to life; the eyes were bright blue, and the mouth was a large opening with a red distorted light bulb inside. The technique for this art was just so different that I liked it. If you’re into indie art, different from what you would normally see in museums, you would enjoy the upstairs more.

The Cheech may be full of Chicano art, but it is significant for everyone, not just Latinos, to be able to see and learn about an important culture that isn’t discussed enough. The museum does an amazing job showcasing that. Truly, it amazes me to see artwork that portrays the childhood I had. The artwork to me shows unity and love. I recommend going to check it out for yourself — it’s an amazing museum.

 COST: Adult: $15.95

• Senior (65+)/Educator/College Student: $10.95 (ID will be required at check in.)
• Children 13-17 years of age: $10.95
• Children 12 and under: Free
• Military personnel (active and retired): Free (Accompanying adults and children are also free; ID will be required at check in.)
• RAM members: Free