20 Hispanic Artists You Should Follow Right Now
Work by Victoria Villasana
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month Arts & Culture Editor Nora Gomez-Strauss is introducing us to 20 Hispanic artists to follow on Instagram—and in real life—for inspiration, art appreciation and calls-to-action.
Here is a disclaimer: I normally do not use the term "Hispanic" to describe myself. Mostly, I identify myself as Latinx or Latina. However, in light of recent use of the term by our country's leaders, I'm looking at it as more than a box usually checked off on surveys. And if you are wondering, yes, there is a difference between Hispanic and Latinx.
Hispanic is language-based, referencing descendants from Spanish-speaking countries, and Latinx is geography-based, referencing descendants from Latin American countries. Some people can be both and some are one of the above (here is a great cartoon explainer).
Since 1968, every September 15 through October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States. The start date is significant because it marks the independence of several Latin American countries. It's the time of year we are supposed to celebrate the contributions of those who have descended from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central, and South America. Sometimes this month comes and goes without too much attention. However, at a time when our community is being targeted, harassed, and degraded, we should also remember to praise ourselves, our culture, and our creativity.
To break up online newsfeeds that can become overwhelmed with headlines, below is a list of Hispanic artists you can follow on Instagram for inspiration, beautiful imagery, and calls to action. This group of 20 is a small sample of what could be an endless list. Click, follow, and fall down a digital wormhole into the imaginations of artists sharing their work and worlds.
Bonus: if you're in the Bay Area, @dignidadrebeldeart and @patrick_martinez_studio are currently in Solidarity Struggle Victory at San Francisco's Southern Exposure, and @lengua is included in Soft Power at SFMOMA, opening later this month!
