Peso Zapata, One fist in the air, fuck putting my hands up, Marker and correction tape on found cardboard, 8” x 17”, 2019
Peso Zapata, Playgirl 1918, Digital collage, 2018
Peso Zapata, You’ll never be rich (Queen), Laser Print Collage on Paper, 4” x 6”, 2020
Support our September 2020 Changarreando Artist, Peso Zapata, as we adapt the program to a new and exciting internet feature: “Changarreando” In the spirit of Changarrito, the pop-up mobile art gallery where artists can sell their work to the public, Changarreando Instagram Takeover with Peso Zapata allows the artist to bring their work to you. Follow us on Instagram (@mexic_arte) for weekly Instagram posts on original work available for purchase as well as behind the scenes of the artist’s work, space, and creative process.
About the Artist:
Peso Zapata (born Alex Zapata July 25, 2024 in Stockton, California) I’m an American painter, photographer, and sculptor currently living in Houston, Texas. Peso Zapata is most known for his depictions of Latin and US-related topics using pop art as a reference. Quoting Emiliano Zapata “I’d rather die on my feet, than live on my knees.” Peso Zapata interprets it as “die with dignity and live life the way you want, rather than live serving people without self respect to yourself.” Self-identity had always been a constant battle for the artist growing up, proving himself Mexican or American enough and as a result, struggling to accept his own cultural identity. “My current practice is not medium specific but engages with particular social and public issues. I scavenge discarded material and objects in the street and use them as a base for my work. My source imagery is derived from multiple news media photographs of current situations targeting people of color. I look to employ artwork as a weapon in the fight for human rights against violence and ongoing injustice. Human rights can no longer be thought of as separate and belonging to a privileged few, but rather that these rights are all interrelated, interdependent and indivisible for all. It’s in the constitution, right there in back and white. Liberty and justice for all. I believe my work will help to foster these important conversations worldwide and invite artists to add their voice. Art can inspire change and bring people together, crossing the borders of cultures and languages. For some, the United States is a true meaning of the “American Dream”, yet, for many individuals, basic human and civil rights are reduced and jeopardized with a judicial system that has crumbled confidence and trust, and with racism fathered through groups that have inherent power to institutionalize prejudice in the forms of laws, policies, and beliefs that exclude and oppress others.”
Presenting Changarreando
Changarrito is an art vending cart, conceptualized by artist Maximo Gonzalez as an alternative to the official gallery selection presented by the Mexican cultural authorities. The word "changarreando", is a verb form that comes from the noun "changarro,” slang originating in Mexico City for “a small retail store.” The suffix “-ando” adds significant meaning to the word but can be summarized here as indicating the act or action of hanging out at a "changarro” with the featured artist. Faithful to their original, informal spirit, Changarritos exist throughout the world, evolving as forums for the sale of original artwork to the general public, presentation of public programs, special curatorial projects, individual and collective exhibitions. Changarreando takes this a step further to connect with people through social media, generate interaction with art, and embrace the digital era with our existing programs! Changarrito Residency True to the Mexic-Arte Museum’s mission, the Changarrito and Changarreando are dedicated to the presentation and promotion of contemporary Latinx and Latin American art. Normally, artists have the opportunity to sell their art on the Changarrito cart in front of the Museum (or an offsite location, as representative for the Museum during various Austin festivals). Changarreando expands the reach of the artist by presenting their gallery online, while allowing the option to sell merch over Instagram and receive 100% of the sale. For each Changarrito/Changarreando artist, the Museum acquires a work of art for its permanent collection.