When I created this piece called "The Awakening" I was kind of hoping that a female collector would purchase it. It is a deeply feminine and vulnerable piece and I'm not sure that all male viewers will understand it. I was happy when Cheech purchased it because he does not hide his collection, he exhibits it (this piece is currently on view at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego). When Cheech purchases your artwork he does not ask you about the meaning. In this interview John Rabe of KPCC presses him on the meaning of this piece, and I was interested to here what he would say. Have a listen, link below.
Here's what I have to say. This piece is not a self portrait because I am going for a universal feeling that I think we can all relate to. It is a self portrait because I did use my body as a model and I personally go through this experience of awakening, sometimes every day. I think its important for female artists to paint the female body. I grew up seeing my dad Frank Romero create artworks of nudes all the live long day. These were very beautiful and real, but completely from the male perspective and very sexualized. Even though the figure is naked in my artwork, to me she is not sexualized. She is experiencing her body from the inside, and it happens to be naked.
Part of me is completely embarrassed that this piece is out there because I'm afraid people will think I want them to see my naked. No, I do not want that kind of attention at all. That is my worst nightmare. I am illustrating self empowerment and the release from fear.
Anyways, thanks Cheech for getting my artwork out there.
http://www.scpr.org/…/chicano-art-champion-cheech-marin-an…/