CSUF Asco Chicano Movement and Art or Vandalism Discussion

Asco was an art collective based in East Los Angeles. Active from 1972-1987, they were heavily influenced by the Chicano Movement of the 1960’s and 70’s. Though their concerns ran concurrent with those of the Chicano Movement, as artists they placed special focus on how media, art and culture represented and portrayed the Mexican-American experience during this time period. At equal turns cynical, hilarious, absurd and deadly serious, Asco pushed the boundaries of what America thought about – and expected from – Chicano artists.

Watch this video

Then watch this video

Please read this article and this NY article 

Now that you have familiarized yourself with the work of Asco I would like for you to write about their piece Spray Paint LACMA. By now you have listened to and read quite a bit about this piece, and I would like you to answer these questions:

1. Do you think that this piece is art or vandalism? In your opinion, what is the difference between art and vandalism?

2. How did this work transform the building that houses the museum?