Art in the age of Trump: Q&A with Diego Rios - El Tecolote October 8, 2020

The son of undocumented Mexican farmworkers, Diego Marcial Rios is a Chicano artist with more than 30 years of practicing his craft. Born in Fresno, California, Rios began illustrating when he was just 10 years old. He went on to earn his MA in Fine Art from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, and now teaches art classes at the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts. His latest political work, the “Trumpesito Set,” is a series of acrylic on canvas paintings done out of his studio in Fremont, all taking aim at the president. On Sept. 14, Rios spoke with El Tecolote about his latest work, his heritage, and politics. Read more here.

Artist Diego Marcial Rios An Artist On A Quest For Social Justice - Dreamweaver Arts - 2021

“Political art has had a long tradition in Chicano and Mexican culture. Chicano and Mexican art often express political resistance and social criticism. Most of my current art has political content. These paintings are a reflection of our times.

It is important that artists of our time document the outrage of marginalized populations of the United States. This artwork also expresses the opinions of those without voice.

We must all contribute to social justice!” Read the complete interview here.

It’s the most recognizable symbol of Mexico’s Day of the Dead.

Brightly painted, frequently bejeweled and inevitably flashing their toothy smiles, calaveras, or skulls, adorn altars and grave sites throughout Mexico and increasingly in the U.S. during the festive Dia de los Muertos.

If you intend to create your own vibrant home altar or ofrenda to remember departed loved ones for Day of the Dead, you’ll need a sugar skull or two. They set the right tone for a celebration that honors the departed for all the joy and love they brought to life. They are not meant to be frightening; rather, they take the fear out of death. Read more here.