The exhibition "Radical Histories: Chicano Prints from the Smithsonian American Art Museum" opens at The Huntington's Marylou and George Boone Gallery from November 16 to March 2. Curated by E. Carmen Ramos, the show features 60 works by nearly 40 artists and collectives, tracing over six decades of Chicano printmaking as a tool for resistance, community building, and cultural reclamation. The exhibition is organized into five thematic sections—"Together We Fight," "¡Guerra No!," "Violent Divisions," "Rethinking América," and "Changemakers"—and begins with the late 1960s Delano Grape Strike, highlighting how artists used silkscreens, posters, and offset prints to mobilize communities and confront injustice.
This exhibition matters because it brings a significant survey of Chicano graphic art to the West Coast, emphasizing the enduring role of printmaking in social and political activism. By showcasing works that address labor rights, antiwar resistance, border issues, and cultural identity, the show underscores how Chicano artists have used accessible media to challenge dominant narratives and affirm marginalized perspectives. The partnership between the Smithsonian American Art Museum and The Huntington also highlights the growing institutional recognition of Latinx art and its historical importance.