bring them together.” This statement by Adrian Garcia Mendez encapsulates the struggle and resilience of first-generation Mexican Americans in navigating their dual cultural identities. The artwork of Martha Rincón and Garcia Mendez explores the rich tapestry of Chicano culture, focusing on themes of religion, adolescence, and identity.

Rincón’s three-photo series titled “Eslabón por Eslabón,” or “Chain to Chain,” captures the essence of lowrider culture. Taken at a car show in 2020, the double-exposure photographs are printed on makeshift license plates and layered on a pink faux fur background. Through this series, Rincón pays homage to her beginnings as a photographer and her deep connection to lowrider culture.

The growing interest in showcasing Mexican American arts and culture is evident in mainstream arts institutions. The Dallas Museum of Art, for instance, hosted a lowrider event called “Drifting on a Memory” in 2022. The event featured a mural of a pinstriped lowrider created by Dallas artist Lokey Calderon and East L.A archivist and artist Guadalupe Rosales. The museum’s concourse was designed to immerse visitors in the experience of being inside a lowrider, with Dallas lowrider clubs showcasing their vehicles.

Rincón was an integral part of this event, creating an airbrushed backdrop and capturing glamorous photos of attendees. This gathering of Latinos and lowriders at the DMA marked a significant moment in Latino culture in Dallas, highlighting the importance of representation and recognition.

Both Rincón and Garcia Mendez draw inspiration from their personal experiences and childhood memories. Rincón’s frequent visits to flea markets with her family and Garcia Mendez’s early experimentation with cameras shaped their artistic journeys. Their work serves as a reflection of their cultural heritage and a celebration of their roots.

In conclusion, the artwork of Martha Rincón and Adrian Garcia Mendez offers a unique perspective on Chicano culture, capturing the essence of lowriders and exploring themes of religion, adolescence, and identity. Their work not only reflects their personal experiences as first-generation Mexican Americans but also contributes to the renewed interest in showcasing Mexican American arts and culture in mainstream institutions. Through their lens, they bridge the gap between two cultures and invite viewers to appreciate the beauty and complexity of Chicano culture.