Title
Mis Hermanos
Creator
Description
Jesse Treviño, Mis Hermanos, 1976, acrylic on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Lionel Sosa, Ernest Bromley, Adolfo Aguilar of Sosa, Bromley, Aguilar and Associates, 1994.74
Subject
Date
Type
Painting
Format
Contributor
Annotation
This photorealistic painting of acrylic on canvas was created from a photograph taken during a family get-together. The artist was so inspired by what the camera had captured that he decided to commit it to canvas. The hairstyles and men’s clothing are characteristic of the 1970s. In the painting, smooth brushstrokes recreate the soft and gentle nature of the moment. Nothing about this piece alludes to rigidity; there are no hard, straight outlines or cold colors. Many of the colors used are greens, soft blues, yellow, and white. The image exudes a feeling of home and comradery. The body language between the men suggests a close bond. The intimacy of the moment allows us to better understand the internal dynamics between them. It seems that traditional masculine roles usually associated with Chicanos are not present. Both popular images and Chicano art often show Chicanos with serious and sometimes emotionless faces to reinforce strength and resilience. However, this is not the case here. The men portrayed are smiling with their arms around each other looking content and serene. The image suggests that masculinity is not rigid and that men can be loving and affectionate. Jesse Trevino conveys the sense of community he experienced as a Chicano in the neighborhoods of San Antonio, Texas. (Author: Oziel Valle)
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