A Chicana artist, of social realism art, Margarita Nieto says

"Her work speaks of the problematic and ephemeral situation of woman hidden in her masks of roles... Hernandez paintings speak to those masks in an extraordinary combination of darkness and color, enhanced by a subconscious precognition of a mythic past"

(Detailed view of Nery Gabriel Lemus’ “Yearning to Breathe Free” exhibition.)

There are plenty, that collectively have impacted myself and my work. But...

This is a piece from the series "Juarez: Ciudad de la Muerte," by Judithe Hernandez. My Mom was born there, right next to El Paso but on the other side of the border. She's also sworn never to go back unless things get better. 

Since 1993, thousands of women have been murdered, some related to the drug war, and some related to the maquiladoras. Femicide is more than a huge problem along the border. Pay attention next time something says "Made in USA." It could be, but it also could be made in a maquiladora somewhere along the border, on the US side, where thousands of Mexican women cross the border to work. On their late night return back to their homes on the Mexico side, many go missing, are sexually assaulted, and/or brutally murdered. This fact keeps me thinking twice whenever I purchase something. If you want to read more about this:

http://www.womenontheborder.org/sex_serial_english.pdf

I still have family that lives there.

Stylistically, the pastel strokes and the color always get me. If theres one thing about Latino art that I love is that we are not afraid to use color. Color shifts emotions, embodies meaning, and can harmonize and clash. 

The Papel picado strung across the top on barbwire symbolizes (to me) the celebration that should exist of a beautiful, vibrant culture, that is trampled upon by the existing border violence. She, too, should be celebrated, and is not. Far from it. Moreover, because of todays economics/society/gender norms, she is forced to cross the border everyday to make levi jeans for Americans, with the constant threat of sexual assault or death always beside her. 

"Virgen de la Oscuridad" will be available in 18x26"

"Mexico Salvate!" will be available in 15x20" If you have ever seen Judithe's work in person it is beautiful, she is a master in the pastel medium. These prints as Giclee prints are going to look great with all the vibrant colors she uses. The two pictured above are are go to be made into prints. Here is what Judithe Had to say: I am finally getting ready to have some of my work turned into high quality archival Giclee prints! (pictured above), I have posted two pieces I will be making into limited editions. I would also like to print one or two more. I am asking for input about what other images people would like to see available as prints. Unfortunately, several pieces I would have considered for prints are framed and cannot be photographed through the glass and others have been purchased. I have selected FIVE other possibilities and attached them for your consideration. The first of these limited edition prints will be available for sale here in Los Angeles at Frank Romero’s Annual Christmas Studio Sale on Dec 3rd and 4th. Stay tuned!

Review of paintings by Judithe Hernandez by Christopher Riehle:

In the most affecting series, drawn headshots of women are stamped with masculine, blood-red palm prints. There are ten portraits, each of them violently distorted; high-cheekbones are bisected by gashes, lacerations blot out eyes, and in spite of it all, the women’s faces are impassive. What is most chilling is their universal look of acceptance.