Xicanx history and activism to shine at Vancouver MOA exhibition

A new exhibition at the Museum of Anthropology at UBC in Vancouver is hoping to shine a light on the contributions of Mexican-American artists and their fight for social justice.

Greta de Leon, co-curator of “Xicanx: Dreamers and Changemakers,” says it will showcase the works of more than 30 artists through paintings, prints, sculptural works, and multimedia, as well as dedicated programming.

The term Xicanx, pronounced CHI-CAN-X, transcends borders and genders, and encompasses the multi-generational experiences of social differences.

“The community of artists are of Mexico-American origin but they are activists and they self-affiliate with this term, they identify and own the term,” de Leon said.

This will be the first time the bilingual exhibit will be seen in Canada, and de Leon says it will be a chance for attendees to learn about the history of Xicanx including, “their contribution for equal rights, in terms of labour, education, gender equality, queer LGBTQ+ rights as well.”

There will also be a chance for attendees to access recipes, as the artists were asked to share cooking techniques such as making mole as well.

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“It’s a very powerful exhibition, it’s a very colourful exhibition, it’s a very joyful exhibition, that also has very strong messages,” de Leon said. “I think common threads [will resonate] with Canada and Vancourites, I think they will like it, it’s a beautiful show.”

In addition to a tour, there will also be events held at the MOA for everyone to check out.

“This Saturday we have a tour with the artists and a round table talk, on Sunday there is going to be a zine, which is a magazine workshop for kids, so they will be a lot of activities around the exhibit that will bring it to life.”

The exhibit is on until Jan. 1, 2023.