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Towards a useful definition of Latino Art

Latino art is art that is informed by a unique history. That history includes
coming from, or having family roots in what is broadly referred to as Latin
America - the Caribbean, Central and South American countries and
cultures. The particular history that is a part of and that informs all Latino art
also includes the experiences of being an outsider, of racial discrimination,
the struggle for human rights and dignity, of stereotyping, marginalization,
and underrepresentation in this countrys politics, media and education
(schools, libraries, and museums).
For a term like Latino to serve a useful purpose, while keeping these
common elements as part of its definition, it would also have maintain the
distinctions of the various groups it refers to. If these precious, unique
histories are not given the enough emphasis, then the term Latino can
become almost meaningless, cut off from diverse peoples ancestry, from
their adversity, and triumphs. Theres the risk ironically that such well
intended language can move us closer to the very assimilation and loss of
identity which progressives, activists and those of us who would honor and
draw from our past fight at all costs to avoid.
No doubt there is resistance to history. There are plenty of people and
institutions even now that would rather not face up to the deplorable way
minorities have been treated in this country. There has been tacit and overt
cooperation with injustice. The legacies of colonialism, slavery, legal
discrimination, and stratified class are in fact with us today, in compelling
ways, but they are only seen as such when we have a historical memory.
Latino art, if it is to function as more than merely art produced by a person
of Latin American descent, is informed by this history and perspective.
What form that then takes has all the latitude contained in the word art,
which is of course boundless. The aesthetics and values of such people
speaks of their experience, and their aspirations in light of what theyve
known. By Latino art, we are enriched and moved towards the more just
and beautiful world that was our ancestors dream, and that was their wish
for their children.