Oakland-based artists Jesus Barraza and Melanie Cervantes discuss their graphic arts collaboration Dignidad Rebelde. They write, “We believe that art can be an empowering reflection of community struggles, dreams, and visions. Following principles of Xicanisma and Zapatismo, we create work that amplifies people’s stories and art that can be put back into the hands of the communities who inspire it. We recognize that the history of the majority of people worldwide is a history of colonialism, genocide, and exploitation. Our art is grounded in Third World and indigenous movements that build people’s power to transform the conditions of fragmentation, displacement, and loss of culture that result from this history. Representing these movements through visual art means connecting struggles through our work and seeking to inspire solidarity among communities of struggle worldwide.”

For more information, visit artsdesign.berkeley.edu.