Axis Mundo: Queer Networks in Chicano L.A Reflection, by Laura Tran

  For my queer excursion/immersion experience, I decided to visit the Vicki Myhren Gallery at the University of Denver. I particularly focused on an exhibit called ‘Axis Mundo: Queer Networks in Chicano L.A.’ I have always loved art exhibits, especially one that has to do with social justice. Prior to this experience, I have never heard of Mundo Meza or the Chicano movement in L.A. However, through this exhibit, I gained a better understanding of the queer networks in Los Angeles, and how artists used their art as a way to speak out against social injustices towards the LGBTQ+ community.  As a prominent figure within his generation, Edumundo “Mundo” Meza collaborated with various artist to shed light on the social injustices during the late 1970s and early 80s. The exhibition work to showcase those collaborations, and the intersections among queer chicano artists. According to Carolina Miranda in her article for The Los Angeles Times, “the exhibit addresses the defining facets of the queer Chicano experience: of desire, of activism, of intimacy, of the ravages of AIDS” (The L.A. Times). Within the exhibition -- there were various paintings, print materials, fashion pieces, and photographs.  One of the main themes within this exhibition is the rise of the AIDS epidemic and AIDS activism. The piece that stood out the most to me was titled ‘Equipped’ by Ray Navarro and Zoe Leonard; this piece depicted three black-and-white photographs, each with its own captions. The first picture was entitled ‘Hot Butt’ which was a picture of an upside-down wheelchair, the second was called ‘Stud Walk’ and this was a picture of a walking cane on its side, and the third was ‘Third Leg’ which was a picture of an upside-down walking stick. Navarro went blind and deaf as a result of an AIDS- related complication. These photographs shows the mobility devices that Navarro used in order navigate his way in the hospital. Another piece that depicts the AIDS epidemic is a painting by Gerardo Velazquez called ‘The Neglected Martyr.’ This painting features the icon Saint Sebastian who symbolizes the suffering of people with AIDS. The upside-down flag was Velazquez way to call out the government for turning a blind eye to the AIDS epidemic.   In the face of government neglect, many artist used art as a way to express their frustration towards the injustices. Gerardo Velazquez for example, used his painting as a way to criticize the Reagan administration. Lillian Faderman in her book, The Gay Revolution notes, “Reagan himself wouldn’t even utter the word AIDS until his good friend, Rock Hudson, died of it in 1985” (Faderman, 418). But even then, there was still little being done to help the gay community at large. It’s still hard to wrap my head around the fact that our own government turned their backs on their people at a time of need. As a peace and justice major, I learned that it is extremely important to fight against injustices and to speak out. Activism comes in various forms, whether is through speaking out, protesting, paintings, photographs, or a play -- it is crucial that we use our voices to come together to make a difference.