Alexandria Canchola and Joshua Duttweiler, Assistant Professors of Art in Graphic Design at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) have collaborated on a two-year-long research project resulting in an exhibition titled En El Frente, that explores the remarkable design and profound influence of Chicano independent publications from the 1960s and 1970s.
According to a statement from Canchola and Duttweiler, “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.”
Canchola and Duttweiler explored multiple institutional archives in the Southwest to uncover the historical and contemporary significance of Chicano publication design. En El Frente, which translates to “on the front” will explore the intersection of social justice and Chicano talent and creativity, hoping to inspire and ignite conversations about the role of design in advocating for change.
The vibrant exhibition, generously sponsored by the Humanities Texas Mini Grant, TAMU-CC Research Enhancement Grant and Arts and Culture Commission of Corpus Christi will run until Oct. 6 with a reception on Sept. 28 at 5 p.m. at Weil Gallery, located in Center for the Arts at TAMU-CC. The reception will include a panel with two of the activist designers who worked on the Chicano publications, Carlos Marentes and Jesus Medel as well as Natasha Hernandez and Isabel Ann Castro, co-editors of St. Sucia a San Antonio-based independent publication collective.
The interactive exhibition will offer visitors an 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.
