Artwork
Sandia (Watermelon)
Artist
Carmen Lomas Garza
(American, born 1948)
DepartmentContemporary Art
Date1997
MediumLithograph
Dimensions22 x 30 in. (55.9 x 76.2 cm)
Credit LineSan Antonio Museum of Art, gift of the artist in memory of her grandparents Antonio and Elisa Lomas and their ancestors, the Coahuiltecas of South Texas and Northeast Mexico
Object number2001.15
Copyright© Carmen Lomas Garza
DescriptionScene of a multigenerational family engaging in various activities on the front porch of a home at nighttime.Label Text"At the age of thirteen I decided to become a visual artist and pursue every opportunity to advance my knowledge of art in institutions of higher education. The Chicano Movement of the late 1960s inspired the dedication of my creativity to the depiction of special and every day events in the lives of Mexican Americans based on my memories and experiences in South Texas. I saw the need to create images that would elicit recognition and appreciation amon Mexican Americans, both adults and children, while at the same time serve as a source of education for others not familiar with our culture. It has been my objective since 1969 to make paintings, prints, installations for Day of the Dead, paper and metal cutouts that instill pride in our history and culture in American society."
- Carmen Lomas Garza
Debunking unflattering stereotypes, Garza depicts the loving and nurturing family life of a Mexican-American family, seen here sharing a watermelon on a moonlit evening. United by the glow of a brilliant porch light, the family includes three generations - grandmother, parents, and children. Shown with his baseball, mitt, and bat, and playing with the family dog, the young boy seated on the porch steps appears fully integrated into the American way of life.InscriptionsLower right corner: titled, dated, and numberedSignedSigned, lower right cornerNot on view
Collections
The San Antonio Museum of Art is in the process of digitizing its permanent collection. This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect SAMA's complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of such records is ongoing.
This resource has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the Human Endeavor.
