Juan Pacheco's Hijos de Cuauhtémoc en El Valle de Aztlan
A few years back Juan Pacheco taught a photo class at the Dolores Mission in Los Angeles' Eastside. The students were day workers who spent their nights at the mission.
Juan photographed some of the men and printed the portraits on postcard paper and mailed them in envelopes to the families in Mexico and Central America. Some of the postcards were mailed back with family comments.
Here is Juan's Artist Statement about this series:
Hijos de Cuauhtémoc en El Valle de Aztlan
A Manifesto March 11, 2009
On these proud faces we can trace the lineage of our
collective past. Each one of these men, who are
invisible to most of us as we go about our daily
life, serve as a constant reminder that we, if we are
not Native Americans, arrived on these shores from
another place.
Our community, both women and men, demand that we be
given the recognition we deserve. And that our
contributions become part of the progressive dialog
presently taking place in the United States.
We ask that our human rights be respected, de ser
humano, and that we be allowed to freely participate
in the struggle for survival, as law abiding
citizens, within a free society.
L@s Hij@s de Cuahutemoc - Free 6 Week Photography Class for Teens
L@s Hij@s de Cuahutemoc
A free 6-week photography class for teens led by Juan Pacheco will meet weekly and cover various projects and objectives starting on THURSDAY June 18, 2009 3pm-5pm.
Class discussions will cover basic understanding of digital camera use, functions and characteristics. Projects will cover self portraits, family portraits, and landscapes; including a photography exhibit at the end of the seminar showcasing the students work.
Digital camera and prints to be provided by the student. Please call Juan at Tia Chucha's at 818.528.4511 to reserve your space!!!
Juan is a Fine Arts Photographer that teaches photography to LA residents from working class areas. He has taught at Homeboys Industries, one class to wheelchair bound teen victims of shootings; Dolores Mission, to day workers who sleep at the church; and at public housing for the residents of various locations.