This was originally posted by John Carr on YoPeace.org about the latest print i completed at Self Help Graphics in East Los Angeles.
The latest in Self Help Graphics’ political print series is from activist printmaker and digital artist Jesus Barraza. Jesus is a co-founder and member of Taller Tupac Amaru, a print studio in Oakland, California that produces and distributes screen-printed political posters and fosters “resurgence in the screen-printing medium for social change.” He also works with fellow Taller Tupac Amaru artist Melanie Cervatnes on a project called Dignidad Rebelde, “a space for collaboration and artistc skill-sharing that is grounded in a Xicana worldview and fueled by their collective desire to support grassroots organizing for social justice.” Jesus brings the Xicana flare to Self Help’s political print series with “Las Flores,” a vibrant five-color portrait that reflects his mission for social justice. From his artist’s statement:
This piece is dedicated to all the people of Iran who have been protesting in the streets struggling for the self determination to decide the future of their own government and country. It is also important to put this struggle within a contemporary context where people in the global south are struggling to build a better world, one in which decisions are no longer made with only those who control capital in mind.
Final print.
Final prints on rack.
Josue and Joe in progress.
Joe rockin’ it.
Josue and Joe.
Joe and his paparazzi.
Jesus mixing colors.
Jesus mixes colors.
Josue checking a screen.
Self Help’s ink cabinet.
Color swatches.
Jesus with the SHG guys.
Joe.
Josue and Joe.
Next post will be about fellow Taller Tupac Amaru artist Melanie Cervantes.