Mexican and Yaqui American culture in art
Amado M. Peña Jr. is a celebrated American visual artist and educator, born in 1943 in Laredo, Texas, to a family of Mexican and Yaqui ancestry. He is known for his contributions to the Chicano Movement and his role in documenting Mexican American culture through art.
Peña’s artistic style is characterized by bold colors, dynamic compositions, and a deep connection to the landscapes of the American Southwest, such as Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley.
Amado Peña’s Cultural Influence
A significant moment in Peña’s life was his journey to New Mexico in 1980, which deepened his connection to his Yaqui heritage. Growing up, he had heard stories about his Yaqui great-grandfather but hadn’t fully explored that part of his identity. Visiting New Mexico for the first time made him realize the interconnectedness of Native peoples across the Americas. This insight shifted his focus from strictly Chicano themes to a broader exploration of Native identity, influencing his art to become “more Native than Chicano”.
Recognized as an Artisan of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona, he honors this heritage by promoting public awareness of the tribe’s culture and history.
His Mexican heritage also plays a central role, blending imagery from indigenous civilizations like the Mayans and Aztecs with contemporary themes. Peña views himself as a storyteller, using his art to preserve and share the experiences of his people.
Technique
Amado Peña employs a variety of techniques to create his distinctive and vibrant artworks.
1. Serigraphy (Screen Printing)
Peña is widely recognized for his mastery of serigraphy, a printmaking technique he began exploring during his early career. This method allows him to create bold, dynamic prints. His screen prints often incorporate intricate patterns inspired by indigenous textiles and pottery, blending traditional motifs with contemporary aesthetics.
2. Mixed Media
Peña frequently uses mixed media, such as gouache, acrylics, and encaustic on surfaces like Gessobord and Claybord. This approach enables him to layer textures and colors, adding depth and vibrancy to his compositions. His works often feature exaggerated human forms intertwined with abstract landscapes, creating a harmonious balance between figures and the natural environment.
Education and Career
- Education: Peña earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Art and Education from Texas A&M University-Kingsville (formerly Texas A & I).
- Teaching Career: He has taught art in various Texas schools, including Laredo, Crystal City, and Austin. Currently, he teaches at Alexander High School in Laredo and serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas.
- Artistic Contributions: His work has been featured in significant exhibitions, including “Chicano Art: Resistance and Affirmation,” which traveled across the U.S. from 1990 to 1993. His art is part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the U.S. Department of State’s Art in Embassies Collection.
Find out more about the artist on his website