Together with artist and educator Celia Herrera Rodríguez, we dive into Chicana feminism. As Celia recalls her upbringing between Mexico and the United States, we explore how the Chicana feminist movement first emerged in the 1960s and how it encourages the unlearning of colonial and patriarchal constructions of, and restrictions on, women. Celia also tells us how the Chicana movement helped her in finding her voice and shaping her feminism. Besides, we learn about central aspects of Chicana feminism, including in-betweenness, cultural hybridity, ambiguity and resilience. We discuss the movement’s relationship to images and image-making, including the symbolism and reimagination of Mexican female figures and icons like La Llorona or La Virgen de Guadalupe. Celia shares how her own artistic practice incorporates Chicana themes and reflects on key figures and influences in the movement, such as Gloria Anzaldúa. Lastly, we hear about the ways in which Chicana feminist art has begun to occupy public and museum spaces and the necessity of transforming these spaces to accommodate Chicana time, materials and self-determination.

“Feminisms in the Museum” is written and produced by Eliza Apperly and Alondra Meier. Sound design and editing by Benjamin Nash, Nora Mihle, Annelien Van Heymbeeck and Andreas König. Artwork by Diana Ejaita. Project curation by Michael Dieminger. Project management by Selina McKay.

Our podcast is part of the 99 Questions programme at Stiftung Humboldt Forum im Berliner Schloss. For more information and show notes, visit https://www.humboldtforum.org/en/programm/digitales-angebot/digital-en/feminisms-in-the-museum-109860/.