What Is the Function of Art?

In Magu’s, In Studio interview you hear him ask the question, “What is the function of art?”. It is a good question. It’s definitely appropriate for this month’s featured artists.

First you should know that Angel primarily gets the new artist features and I usually don’t see them until it’s time to upload them. Well, after seeing Glenn’s and The Welfare Poets’ features, I told Angel that I was going to direct all the heated feedback to her (I’m kidding, please don’t, I’ll get a butt whoopin’ for it). After all, it’s said to never talk about religion and politics, but here are two artists that do just that!

Angel and I have talked endlessly on how we should handle controversial material. In fact, we had to figure this out quickly in our first few days of going live with this site. Angel had received a very hard line, pro-Latino interview, while I had an artist refuse to participate in our site for fear of being labeled as a Latino artist. They were very opposing views and we wanted to feature both of them, but we felt we were neither hard line nor a non-ethnic web site. As result, Angel and I decided that our position should remain open to all views and provide an unbiased platform for artists to express themselves. Of course there are professional and aesthetic criteria that help us determine who we feature but for the most part, our aim is to promote Latino art in all it’s magnificent shades of brown.

So what’s the answer to, “What is the function of art?”. Well, since Magu asked the question I’ll give an answer that is implied in his interview. Art is suppose to connect with people’s emotions. For this reason, we showcase artwork, written interviews and videos that let artists tell you the intention of their work. It may be political, cultural, commercial, personal, or perhaps it’s a combination of all four. It may be controversial or casual too.

Now if Glenn Stwart's short film or The Welfare Poets work shock, surprise, anger, disgust, inform or amuse you, then perhaps the artwork served its purpose. After all art is not always about pretty flowers or sunsets over the ocean horizon. Sometimes it’s about getting your attention and being thought provoking!


With gratitude,
Pablo

Art above is described as “functional art” or “art furniture” and is by Joseph Somers

Where has the time gone?

Wow. Where did the time go? The last thing I remember is getting on the 405 freeway in Los Angeles. See that’s a joke, cause it’s been more than a month since my last entry and the freeway is slow moving... okay I know, I’m no comedian.

So where do I start? First, I should mention that grandmother is good and still chewing spikes and body slamming the grandkids. However, one of my aunts unexpectedly passed away and then one of my uncles got married. I’ve seen more of my family in the last month than I’ve seen in the last five years. I didn’t recognize half of my cousins; they’ve gotten bigger, grayer and have more kids. I didn’t even know some were old enough to make kids! After all the time that has past, my family is still crazy, funny and sometimes irritating. My family, I love them.

Here in the café things are getting exciting for Angel and myself. Although, the café appears to be quiet, Angel and I have been talking to people behind the scenes that we believe will help us take the café to the next level. In the next month or two I hope to give you more details on our plans but for the time being, I’m posting a few photos of art shows I went to or were sent to us by artists.

Be sure to check back soon for our next artist feature updates. Until then, call a family member, say hello and catch up on family news. You may have new baby cousins taking your grandma to the matt!

Photos are of shows by Albert Reyes, Magu Lujan and El Fantom.

as always,
pablo