Art for Humanity

Latino and Hispanic artists like Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Francisco Oller—to name just a few—have been influenced by their cultural roots and their desire to communicate on behalf of their people and all of humanity.

Pablo Picasso

Frida Kahlo

Diego Rivera

Francisco Oller

Similarly, contemporary artist Carlos Hernandez Chavez, who came to the United States from Mexico in the 1970s, has had a strong influence as an activista, a líder in the arts community, and a dedicated humanista.

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Carlos Hernandez Chavez

Now, watch video portions of an interview with Carlos Hernandez Chavez. Notice what he paints to express his gratitude to the Puerto Rican community in Hartford, CT. that welcomed him when he came to the U.S. Also notice other subjects in his paintings that express oppression and injustice.

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Take Notes

You can watch the video clip again before responding to each of the following questions:

What kinds of subjects and colors in Chavez’s painting help us to appreciate the beauty of Puerto Rico’s tropical forests, and what subjects in his art suggest the oppression of minorities?
How have Chavez and other artists cited here used their diverse art to address the exploitation of their people and the importance of human rights everywhere?

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