By Marvella Muro

Self Help Graphics is a member of the Consejo Gráfico, an independent network of print workshops that formed to advance the legacy and viability of Latino printmaking in the United States. Each year, the Consejo collaboratively curates thematic ateliers that highlight talented artists, emerging and established, invited by the member studios across the country. 

With an urgency to respond against the current administration's shift from pro-environmental, immigration, and human rights policies, the Consejo embarked on a project that would present artworks that reflect what we are witnessing. The print portfolio Perro Mundo (Raw World), includes works by 23 artists from 12 studios. 

SHG invited Los Angeles-based artists Dalila Paola Mendez and Phumelele Tshabalala, whose work bears witness to two different, but dire issues, that threaten the welfare of people of color. Most of us may witness one during our commute, our stroll in the park, or daily news. The portfolio reflects the artists' stance, possibly as a bystander, overwhelmed by a powerless feeling or as a participant, protesting through the act of artivism. 

The daughter of immigrants, Dalila is a first-generation queer indigenous artist whose work combines modern ancestral narratives to reinterpret and navigate issues confronting communities of color. Dalila's seven-color silkscreen titled Weaving Stories of Resilience uses a traditional bright colored huipil (woven blouse) as the background for an interwoven story about the determination and resilience of Central American migrants, who travel thousands of miles in the hope of creating a better life for themselves. A trio of vibrant-colored birds native to Central America is placed at the center, as a distant memory of home or perhaps representing the ability to freely travel across borders. However, the artist does not fail to illustrate the cruel realities of that journey: exhaustion, famine, violence, death, and family separations. The words Family and Determination in the Arabic script, both recall the Arabic heritage in Latin America and highlight the U.S.’s anti-muslim rhetoric. 

For his edition, Phumelele or “Phumi”, as the artist calls himself, created a rich black and red oil-based woodcut titled Bridging the Borders. The print depicts a scene the artist witnessed in Downtown LA's fashion district. A lively saxophonist in the foreground plays his instrument for passersby, and a handful of spectators are joyfully caught in a wave of his sounds. Through his music, he builds bridges between himself and the viewers, introducing us to his world. Although we don't immediately notice, the musician is experiencing homelessness. With the city's astronomically increasing numbers of individuals living without shelter, it's not difficult to imagine that this is the case. 

A native of South Africa, Phumi is a storyteller who shares his experiences and encounters as an immigrant through his work. Bridging the Borders is a documentation of his engagement and transformation by the saxophonist's melodies and an homage to the people, who find themselves in a similar condition, with determination and strength. "This work is created to honor them and to deliberately reflect on our times. I am committed and dedicated to going beyond mere formal questions of making art. In creating artworks, I aim straight at the heart of who I am? What is going on around me? And what can we do or say to make a difference?," said Phumi.  

As we have witnessed the escalating policies of increased policing and the consequential brutality, abuse of power, and inequities, these are similar questions that we ask ourselves. What is our role? What can we do? What more can we do? It is not justifiable to call Black Lives Matter a momentum, because it's not temporary. The changes taking place are permanent, Breonna Taylor Law, redistribution of police funds to people's resources, and the increased conversations about racism that many previously chose not to participate in or acknowledge.

Phumi shared a beautiful song from his native country by the artist Msika titled "Nal' Themba (Harbouring Hope)." A tribute to the South African people's resilience, healing, and loss.  What song resonates with you? Helps you process, stay grounded? Mirrors your cry and frustration and those around you? Share it with us, and we will compile and share a community playlist!

Perro Mundo participating studios and artists

Arceo Press and Studio- Rene H. Arceo and Juan de Dios Mora

Coronado Print Studio- Pepe Coronado and René de los Santos

El Nopal Press- Francesco Siqueiros and Malaquías Montoya

Mono Gráfico Colectivo- Victor Rosas, Nguyen Ly, and Don Newton

Pájaro Editions- Juan R. Fuentes 

Poli Marichal Studio- Poli Marichal

Riomar Studio- Ramiro Rodriguez, Laurie Rousseau, Joseph Segura, and Rachel Welling

Sfernandez Press & Taller- Sandra C. Fernández and Paloma Oberg

Self Help Graphics and Art- Dalila Mendez and Phumelele Tshabalala

Serie Project- Ashley Mireles

TANA (Taller Arte del Nuevo Amanecer)- José Arenas

Taller Boricua- Minerva González-Suvidad, James Cuebas 

Marvella Muro is Director of Artistic Programs and Education at Self Help Graphics & Art