Empanadas Dulces/Sweet Turnovers, 2022–2023.
Carmen Lomas Garza (American, born 1948)
Acrylic on wood, 31 in. x 48 in. x 1-1/4 in. Crocker Art Museum purchase with funds provided by Simon K. Chiu, 2023.5.1
Details
- artist/cultureCarmen Lomas Garza
- nationalityAmerican, born 1948
- titleEmpanadas Dulces/Sweet Turnovers
- date2022 - 2023
- mediumAcrylic on wood
- dimensions31 in. x 48 in. x 1-1/4 in.
- credit lineCrocker Art Museum purchase with funds provided by Simon K. Chiu
- accession no.2023.5.1
- collectionModern and Contemporary Art
This reflection by Sacramento State student Jesus Sanchez was inspired by Carmen Lomas Garza’s Empanadas Dulces/Sweet Turnovers.
Carmen Lomas Garza’s painting titled Empanadas Dulces is a great example of how people seek cultural pride and validation in their identity through pieces of art. Without even knowing it, growing up I read Garza’s book titled “En Mi Familia.” In this book, she painted childhood memories and wrote brief explanations of the scenes depicted. Growing up as a Mexican American from a primarily white community, I always struggled to feel connected to my Mexican or Chicano side. It was not until years down the line in which I began to realize how much of an impact representation in art and media has. As a child, I remember relating to these scenes so well and having a strong connection to what was going on in the paintings.
