Linda Vallejo & Man One: Artists On Politics and Being Indivisible

Not Real Art

We are continuing our discussions with artists participating in the Indivisible 2020 exhibition that Not Real Art is a media partner of, and today’s guest is none other than Linda Vallejo. Linda is a multimedia artist who consolidates a range of influences from a lifetime of travel and study to create work that explores contemporary social, cultural, and political issues. Man One joins Linda in conversation, and these two powerful artists in our community discuss their Latinx identities and the way this has informed their work. They first unpack what indivisibility means to them and share how they both came to realize that they had been brainwashed into the belief that all Americans are united. As people of color, they have lived experience of the palpable division rampant in our society. We discuss the importance of questioning institutions, and Man One shares why he left the Catholic Church, which is difficult in the highly religious Mexican community. After discussing this tension, Linda talks about what being a socio-political artist means to her and why she does not subscribe to the conventional understanding of this type of artistry. Giving us insights into her process, we see that Linda’s work is highly considered and thoughtful. Our conversation also touches on each artist’s respective work, colorism both within the Latinx community and society at large, and what true diversity entails. To hear more from these creative giants, be sure to tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: What attracted Linda to participate in Indivisible 2020. The changing recognition of socio-political imagery in the mainstream art world. Man One’s desire to be a participating artist in Indivisible 2020 and what indivisibility means to him. Unpacking the myth of indivisibility that Americans have been indoctrinated into believing. The underrepresentation of the Latinx community in LA, despite their being almost half the city’s population. Unskilled versus essential workers: An example of how language can shift meaning greatly. Questioning the need to make oaths which Americans do from a young age. Man One’s disillusionment with the Catholic church and institutions generally. The tension within the Latinx community between religion and political views. How religion has been a part of Man One’s family’s life and how it’s shifted during the pandemic. Linda’s experience of traveling as a woman of color and what she learned. Hear Linda’s expanded understanding of what it means to be a socio-political artist. Linda’s Big Boy ‘Muchachote’ work and how it took Man One back to his childhood. Learn more about Linda’s work repurposing objects and representing them as Latinx. The colorism within the Latinx community and reactions to Linda’s work. Unpacking whiteness and fair skin as aspirational and how this can be overcome. Man One’s experience of being a dark-skinned Mexican and the perceptions people have of him. Why Linda believes that everyone needs to go to college and get a graduate degree, if possible. Being Latinx with a college education and the weight that this holds. Hierarchies that are built into every structure from families to the workplace. Man One’s rationale for using lots of color in his work and how people react to this. The link between beauty and wealth and how it has evolved over time. Linda’s take on humanity’s thirst for violence and war. Diversity is not about getting everyone to think the same; it’s about living together while being different. The beauty of embracing differences and learning from people who think differently from you. Man One and Linda’s upcoming work. Addressing the Sasquatch in Linda’s studio. Final words from Linda and Man One. For more information and photos, visit here: https://notrealart.com/linda-vallejo-man-one