Through this art installation Las Pistoleras Instituto Cultural de Arte collaborates with artist Nicolás González-Medina and Puro Amor Productions, intending to amplify creative artistic responses toward colonization of Mexican@ / Chican@ people over time. Many who enter the Taos community view the area through the romanticized tourist gaze. However, this installation intends to offer a critical authentic personal and familial experience over time. The work speaks truth to power and includes accurate historical portrayal of the multiple nation-states and cultural expression that have occurred in this community over time.

The installation coalesces in the historical downtown district in the center of Taos, facing presenters with the responsibility and need to connect the continual history of this place. The installation comes to life through several forms of expressive art: the mural Honoring Our Ancestors; visual art; projection produced by Puro Amor Productions; live print-making by artist Nicolás González-Medina; and a sonic audio soundtrack Movimiento Alive produced by Las Pistoleras Instituto Cultural de Arte collective.

The first night of the PASEO Festival occurs on diez y seis de septiembre (September 16), commemorating the 1821 date when Mexico gained its independence from Spain. The historical event greatly impacted life in Taos and New Mexico.

About the artist: Nicolas Gonzalez-Medina is an Artist and Activist who’s Political Art Work reflects his experience of growing up Undocumented. His energy and passion to make Art Accessible is reflected in the large scale prints that have been wheat pasted around the country. He has printed over 1,500 Defend DACA prints.

Las Pistoleras, is a communal space where cultura, activism and the arts are at the forefront of community identity. It is a place that fosters and promotes organic intellectualism, formal education, community activism, and all aspects of the arts.