August 28 - October 6, 2023
From Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi:
“En El Frente: Celebrating the Impact of Chicano Independent Publications
We are thrilled to announce the upcoming exhibition, En El Frente, which will showcase the remarkable design and profound influence of Chicano independent publications from the 1960s and 1970s. This exhibition represents the culmination of extensive research by Professors Alexandria Canchola and Joshua Duttweiler, who have visited multiple institutional archives in the Southwest to uncover the historical and contemporary significance of Chicano publication design.
En El Frente offers a captivating journey through the visual landscape of Chicano independent publications, exploring their clever use of technology, iconic imagery, mastheads, and artwork. By highlighting the innovative designs that emerged during this era, the exhibition sheds light on a vital aspect of design history that has often been overlooked.
This groundbreaking exhibition not only showcases the immense talent and creativity of Chicano designers but also serves as an important template for future designers, scholars, and students who seek to make a lasting impact in the realm of social justice. The previously unexplored visual work featured in En El Frente will inspire and ignite conversations about the role of design in advocating for change.
En El Frente will open its doors on August 28, 2023 with an opening reception on September 21 at 6pm at Weil Gallery, located in Center for the Arts at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. The reception will include a panel with two of the activist-designers who worked on the publications Carlos Marentes and Jesus Medel as well as contemporary zine maker Natasha Hernandez. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with rare archival materials, immersive installations, and thought-provoking displays that demonstrate the power of Chicano publication design in challenging societal norms and driving social transformation.
Join us in celebrating the rich heritage and enduring impact of Chicano independent publications at En El Frente. This exhibition is an unmissable experience for design enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone passionate about social justice.
The Weil Gallery is free and open daily from 10am-5pm. For more information, please visit www.enelfrente.com.
This exhibition was generously sponsored by the Humanities Texas Mini Grant, TAMU-CC Research Enhancement Grant, and Arts and Culture Commission of Corpus Christi. Exhibition design and production by Joshua Duttweiler and Alexandria Canchola. Additional exhibition design by Chris Gonzales (‘24), Katelynn Phelan (‘24) and Eric Davila (‘22). Additional support by David Hill. Translations provided by Dr. Rossy Lima.
About En El Frente:
En El Frente is an exhibition that explores the design and impact of Chicano independent publications in the 1960s and 1970s. It is the culmination of extensive research conducted by Alexandria Canchola and Joshua Duttweiler, showcasing the historical and contemporary significance of Chicano publication design. The exhibition aims to inspire future designers, scholars, and students by uncovering and highlighting the revolutionary visual work of this transformative era.”
Reception: September 28, 2023 | 5–7:30 pm
Weil Gallery, TAMU- Corpus Christi
6300 Ocean Drive
Corpus Christi, 78412 TX
361.825.2420
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