Originally from El Paso Texas, visual artist Chico Sierra now resides in the Midwest. Primarily a self-taught artist, Chico attempts to connect the dots of his cultural history and create new stories based on humanism, class structures and social justice. Influenced by his interests in varying social sciences and spiritual iconography, he creates new narratives using symbolism that has been previously clouded by colonialism and more recently appropriated by euro-centric new-age spiritualism. Chico's artwork will be on display at the Leawood branch until April 21, 2024.
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Introduce yourself and describe your work and the genre you work in.
My name is Chico Sierra, and I am a Chicano visual artist, originally from El Paso, Texas, currently residing in Kansas City. I paint images that are influenced by Indigenous cultures of the Global South that have been blurred by colonization and religious erasure.
How does your work comment on culture - how is cultural history reflected in your work?
My work is defined by its exploration of cultural themes that span various identities. Having been raised in a multi ethnic, racially diverse family and community, I am piecing together influences to form a cohesive language. With that language I create stories that bridge subjects that are not commonly combined, such as theories around time and space and the history of agriculture in human history.
You are also a musician — does your music influence your visual art?
I use music as a meditative practice while painting, playing my guitar while taking a break from a piece keeps me in a creative headspace while also slowing down my thought process. I am able to see the piece and explore where it is headed.
What is your dream project?
My dream project would a large scale mural in a large space that would also include artifacts and costumes that I would create. The costumes would be worn by performers during different events within the room with choreography that would be based on various natural processes. These cultural events would be based around education and scientific studies to show how indigenous cultures created a science through their spiritual explorations of nature.
What is your most important artist tool? Is there something you can’t live without in your studio?
Obviously my brushes have become really important. I’d previously used paint markers and spray paint, but I’ve come to love using brushes as I can manipulate the flow and structure in various ways. As important as my brushes are my Status Core ANC headphones, if I show up to the studio without them I’ll go back home.
What books, movies and/or music have inspired you recently?
Lately I’ve been reading The Zapatista Reader by Tom Hayden again, I am trying to become better about being a habitual reader. As far as music my tastes and influences are extremely diverse but have been listening to a lot of Central and South American metal because I’m trying to improve my Spanish.
