In the heart of northern New Mexico, Taos’s Millicent Rogers Museum is set to unveil one of its most powerful exhibitions to date: ¡CHICANAO! Caminos Distintos, on display from June 6 to November 2, 2025.
This vibrant and deeply reflective exhibition brings together generations of Chicana and Chicano artists, offering a kaleidoscopic view of identity, tradition, resilience, and transformation within New Mexico’s Mexican-American communities.
The term “Chicano” was once used pejoratively to describe Mexican Americans, but over the decades, it has been proudly reclaimed—first by Pachucos in the 1940s and then by civil rights activists in the 1960s. Today, it embodies a unique cultural identity forged through struggle, heritage, and a commitment to self-expression. The exhibition’s title, ¡CHICANAO! is a fusion of “Chicana” and “Chicano,” and reflects a unified front of gender and generational experiences. Caminos Distintos—“different paths”—emphasizes the multiplicity of ways in which these artists have expressed their “Chicanismo.”
This expansive exhibition spans a wide array of themes central to Chicano culture: from the sacred traditions of Dia de Los Muertos and religious iconography to contemporary statements on family, land, politics, and food. Viewers will encounter everything from traditional papel picado to modern mixed media, showcasing how the old and new coexist and evolve in Chicano art.
Curated by two powerhouse figures in New Mexico’s art scene—Patricio Tlacaelel Trujillo y Fuentes, and Pola Lopez—the show bridges historical and contemporary voices. Tlacaelel, known for his intricate cut paper works and leadership in the MEZCLA collective, brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to visual storytelling. Lopez, a painter and muralist whose vibrant acrylic works channel her mixed Jicarilla Apache and European roots, offers a lens into the symbolic, spiritual, and feminine dimensions of Chicano identity.
¡CHICANAO! features works by over 40 artists, including renowned names like Luis Jimenez, Frederico Vigil, and Marie Romero Cash, as well as rising voices such as Sabrina Zarco, Brandon Maldonado, and Tara Trudell. Each artist offers a distinct path—un camino distinto—into the Chicano experience, honoring ancestors while forging new visions of the future.
Visitors can immerse themselves further through public programming, including an opening celebration on June 6, an artist panel honoring “Nuestros Antepasados” on July 13, a forward-looking discussion titled “El Futuro” on September 14, and a Día de los Muertos community ofrenda and closing celebration on November 2.
The exhibition asks a poignant question: “What has changed, and what has stayed the same?” Through art, ¡CHICANAO! seeks not only to answer but to inspire new dialogue, honoring the complexity and vitality of Chicano identity in all its forms.
¡CHICANAO! Caminos Distintos will be on view at the Millicent Rogers Museum in Taos, located at 1504 Millicent Rogers Rd. For hours, admission, and program updates, visit www.millicentrogers.org.
