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Radical Histories: Chicanx Prints from the Smithsonian American Art Museum

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Since the 1960s, Chicanx artists have used graphic arts to educate and agitate, presenting a vast array of political and social themes designed to challenge the status quo. Their artworks are declarations of political advocacy, cross-cultural solidarity, and an effort to reclaim the past. Radical Histories: Chicanx Prints from the Smithsonian American Art Museum features 60 prints drawn from SAAM’s leading collection of Latinx art. It focuses on artists creating visual counter-histories—from ancient to contemporary times—that defy notions of American exceptionalism, heteronormativity, whiteness, and borders.  

A screenprint depicting a praying figure resembling Maria on the bottom of an iron. What would be steam released into the air is a flock of birds rising up into a blue sky.

Selected Works

Carlos Francisco Jackson

Two central figures in a media interview, surrounded by people holding microphones, with red "HUELGA" signs in the background.

Malaquias Montoya

Screenprint with the text Chicano Moratorium in large letters across the top.

Juan de Dios Mora

Black and white illustration of two boats and figures on a wavy body of water with a cloudy sky.

Julio Salgado

A person with butterfly wings featuring words like "MIGRANTE" and "QUEERNESS" stands against a yellow background.

Esteban Villa

Stylized portrait of a person with a megaphone, surrounded by geometric patterns and text.

Xico González

A multi-color screenprint of a determined woman with the text "Stand for Justice and equality for all" written in large yellow script superimposed over the lower third of the poster.

Jesus Barraza

Portrait of female figure with earrings on patterned, aqua blue background.

Lalo Alcaraz

Stylized portrait of a person in black and red with a Nike swoosh on their beret.

Related Media

Installation photograph of the title wall of Radical Histories.

Installation Views

  • Entrance view of the “Radical Histories” exhibition with bold wall text in English and Spanish, and surrounding framed artworks on both sides
  • Gallery wall featuring graphic prints and a digital-style illustration, with wall text titled “Juntos Luchamos / Together We Fight”
  • Wall display of Chicanx protest graphics with posters opposing war, featuring bold colors and text in Spanish and English under the heading “¡Guerra No!”
  • Wide view of the gallery space featuring colorful framed portraits, posters, and prints with a wooden bench placed centrally on the wooden floor
  • Wall installation titled “Violent Divisions” featuring six framed prints, including posters with slogans and stylized illustrations
  • Gallery view with a wooden bench and framed posters and prints depicting protest themes, labor rights, and resistance figures
  • Gallery wall with four framed prints featuring bold imagery, including a map, a stylized portrait, and graphic protest art
  • Gallery wall titled “Rethinking America,” featuring eight framed prints with bilingual wall text in English and Spanish
  • Gallery view with framed protest prints along three walls and the “Radical Histories” exhibition title in bright colors on a central yellow partition

Installation view of Radical Histories: Chicanx Prints from the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Upper Jetté Gallery, Colby College Museum of Art, Waterville, Maine, 2025. Photo: Abby Lank

Installation view of Radical Histories: Chicanx Prints from the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Upper Jetté Gallery, Colby College Museum of Art, Waterville, Maine, 2025. Photo: Abby Lank

Installation view of Radical Histories: Chicanx Prints from the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Upper Jetté Gallery, Colby College Museum of Art, Waterville, Maine, 2025. Photo: Abby Lank

Installation view of Radical Histories: Chicanx Prints from the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Upper Jetté Gallery, Colby College Museum of Art, Waterville, Maine, 2025. Photo: Abby Lank

Installation view of Radical Histories: Chicanx Prints from the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Upper Jetté Gallery, Colby College Museum of Art, Waterville, Maine, 2025. Photo: Abby Lank

Installation view of Radical Histories: Chicanx Prints from the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Upper Jetté Gallery, Colby College Museum of Art, Waterville, Maine, 2025. Photo: Abby Lank

Installation view of Radical Histories: Chicanx Prints from the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Upper Jetté Gallery, Colby College Museum of Art, Waterville, Maine, 2025. Photo: Abby Lank

Installation view of Radical Histories: Chicanx Prints from the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Upper Jetté Gallery, Colby College Museum of Art, Waterville, Maine, 2025. Photo: Abby Lank

Installation view of Radical Histories: Chicanx Prints from the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Upper Jetté Gallery, Colby College Museum of Art, Waterville, Maine, 2025. Photo: Abby Lank

Logo for "SAAM," the Smithsonian American Art Museum.