Maritza Alvarez

Bio:  Maritza Alvarez is a queer Xicana Indigena born in Xalisco and raised in Boyle Heights. After attaining her B.A. in Chicano Studies/Sociology from UCSD, Maritza worked as a youth counselor, case manager, community organizer, and program youth director in East L.A. In response to the heterosexist administration of a local organization, Maritza decided to use photography and film to raise consciousness. In 2005, Pura Lengua, a Womyn Image Makers production directed by Aurora Guerrero and written, produced and shot by Maritza, was selected to screen at the Sundance Film Festival. Her website is http://web.mac.com/m13visions.

Installation Title:  Returning to Cihuatlan
Media:  Installation/photography
Artist Statement:  As an activist, I began to photograph my involvement in Xicana Indigenous movements, whether it be with family, local community or abroad. Returning to Cihuatlan is my first offerring. It is a recognition to all the Indigenous women from East L.A. to South Central L.A., and from El Salvador to Nevada that have directly and indirectly affected my life. Moreover, this is an offering to our mother, nuestra madre Tonantzin. Thank you to all these mujeres, whether you know it or not, your words, your actions, your spirit and your presence have nourished my political, spiritual and physical growth. Tlazocamatli, Gracias, Thank you.

EAST (YELLOW)

To the spirit of the East, where the sun rises and nourishes, a place of new beginnings.
We honor you.

Rigo Maldonado

Bio:  Born in the shadow of Disneyland, Rigo Maldonado explores the plastic interplay between traditional craftsmanship and 21st Century notions of gender, identity, body politics and culture. Maldonado incorporates a baroque sensibility to create complex and fanciful works of art dealing with religion, sexuality, and popular culture. His dynamic installations incorporate sculpture, video, fashion and photography to create an iconic aesthetic of social consciousness.

In 2001 Rigo co-curated the groundbreaking “Hijas de Juarez” exhibit at SPARC. His work has been exhibited at galleries and public spaces throughout the Southwest, Mexico and China. His website is www.rigomaldonado.com.
Installation Title:  and now…
Media:  installation/video
Time:  4 minutes
Artist Statement:  I have always been intrigued with the conflicts that occur when private spaces meet the public eye. and nowÉ is about breaking down the boundaries created by cultural taboos. It is an artistic documentation towards breaking the boundaries imposed on me by a culture and society obsessed with keeping femininity and masculinity as polar opposites. A celebration of life, "and now..." examines issues of past and present in order to move forward.

SOUTH (WHITE)

To the spirit of the South, where innocence, youth and hope reside.
We honor you.

Brenda Xavez

Bio: Brenda Xavez is a Xicana artist, activist and attorney. She was born in East Los Angeles and raised in Pico-Union. She received her B.A. from Stanford University and J.D. from Columbia School of Law. While in New York, she organized the first and second Dia de los Muertos Celebrations as part of the Native Heritage Month at Columbia University and exhibited her work, an installation altar honoring Gloria Anzaldua and the women killed in Juarez, Mexico, at the 2004 “Borderlands” exhibit presented at the Borough President’s Office in Manhattan.
Installation Title:  En Honor a la Madre Tierra Quien Nos Ama y Nos Da Esperanza /In Honor of Mother Earth Who Loves and Gives Us Hope
Media: Installation

Artist Statement: I see my art as a means of creating social change. With this altar installation, I hope to honor mother earth as the giver of life and hope. This piece is about acceptance and love since mother earth nourishes us with water, air, and earth regardless of race, gender or sexuality. In her womb, we find Mictlan, the Aztec underworld of the dead, where various indigenous gods, goddesses and queer icons provide us with strength and courage to care for each other. Her roots are the agents of change, helping us create peace instead of war, love instead of hate.

WEST (BLACK)

To the spirit of the West, where the sun sets and the moon rises, a place of dreams and the subconscious.
We honor you.

Alma Lopez and Lizette Sanchez

Bios: Alma Lopez is a Mexican-born Chicana artist, activist and visual storyteller. Her work ranges from paintings to photo-based digital prints, from public murals to video. Her extensive body of work lives at the critical intersections of race, class, gender, sexuality, love and resistance.

Lopez received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California Santa Barbara and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of California Irvine. She has most recently designed the poster for the 3rd Annual Marcha Lésbica in Mexico City and is completing a video documentary project entitled "L.A._’s D.F." Her website is www.almalopez.net.

Lizette Sanchez was born in Canoga Park during the Summer of Love. She is a Cali-Rican, a Puerto Rican born in California. She is a zombie flick fanatic, and a George Romero groupie. Aside from watching movies, she has also been featured in Ilya Perlman's Uncut, 100% Human Hair, and Alma Lopez's Boi Hair. She is a Tongues board member.
Installation Title: Living in the place of dreams
Media: Installation/video
Artist Statement: The title of our installation directly alludes to “the spirit of the West, where the sun sets and the moon rises.” We have chosen to honor the memory of Lizette’s parents who met when they were teenagers, had four children and recently passed away nine months of each other. Dorcas Sanchez (December 22, 1925 - April 25, 2005) was a very hard working creative loving person. Miguel Angel Sanchez (April 17, 1924 – January 23, 2006) was a former national guardsman in Puerto Rico and a mechanic since the age of 13. Our installation uses ordinary objects and symbols in an attempt to visualize beyond the life we know and the place of dreams where those we love may live.

COMMUNITY ALTAR

Francisco Dueñas

Bio: Francisco Dueñas is from South Gate and has mainly worked doing community organizing in low to moderate income neighborhoods in Los Angeles. He is currently Lambda Legal's Outreach Associate for their Proyecto Igualdad, a Latino outreach project. He makes sure the "know your rights" information gets into the hands of those who need it. He also uses that information to create new spaces where LGBT and people with HIV are welcomed, made visible and treated equally.
Installation: Community Altar
Artist Statement: Everyone is welcome, from individuals to organizations, to contribute to the community altar. Please bring pictures and mementos to honor your ancestors or community leaders.

Casa Coyo is committed to helping artists live from their art. Casa Coyo will be providing all Queering Mictlan  artists with grants to do their artwork/installations. If you would like to donate to help make Queering Mictlan  a reality, please contact us at donate@casacoyo.org, or make a donation through PayPal:

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