Memories of the Past and Images of the Present

Memories of the Past and Images of the Present

Emigdo Vasquez, 1977

Orange native Emigdio Vasquez makes the past very present in his mural located in the city of Anaheim. The American artist is known for his depiction of urban scenes including everyday people. The painting commemorated the protests during the Little Peoples’ Park Riot in 1978. The mural underwent claims by the law enforcement of sensationalizing gangs in the region. The claims further state that his work expresses rebellion against oppressive government and spans three decades with more than 22 murals throughout the Orange County area. Emigdo said ” [he] wanted to express personal feelings that would reflect the sentiments, aspirations and struggles of the Chicano working class…Because as an artist I do not believe in separating my pictoral viewpoint from my human and social one.”