COQUICHULO IMAGES: The Art and Photography of Ricardo Muñiz

ABOUT Ricardo Muñiz and COQUICHULO IMAGES

 

The main idea behind the creation of Coquíchulo Images was one of artistic support of my own Latino community.  I was a social worker and teacher working with young people with severe problems (emotional, academic, social, and psychological) for over 15 years.  Before I decided to pursue my artistic endeavors—photography, puppetry, performance and body art—I devoted myself and my work to help foster creativity and success within communities of color.

 

Although I’m a full-time artist, I have never left my community behind.  I’m still a teacher and social worker at heart.  Many of my exhibits, editorials, performances, shows and events include former students and community members either as models, participants, workers or contributors.  I continue to serve as a mentor for young people of color who are trying to find their voice.  I give much credence to the saying, “Each one, teach one.”

 

My work, be it a performance or a photograph or body art or a sculpture or a poem, is about finding the voices of my people who are lost in the darkness, the shadows, the fringes and the outskirts of mainstream society.  I use color to symbolize the range of colors and races that make up the Nafripani diaspora (Native, African and Hispanic).  I strive to help give voice to our struggle—be it meek or quiet or loud or compulsive or impulsive or confrontational or pleading or proud or confident or multilingual.

 

I love my work.  It is about getting our voices heard and our visions realized.

 

We may have struggled, but we’re finally here.  It’s more important to know where you stand and where you are going than to worry about what you didn’t get or what you didn’t have. 

 

For more information on the artist, please contact Ricardo Muñiz.

 

You may also see more of Ricardo’s work here and here.