Malaquías Montoya

Malaquías Montoya (born 1938) is an American born Chicano poster artist and a major historical figure in the Chicano Art Movement.

Quotes

• Realizing later that it was not by choice that we remained mute but by a conscious effort on the part of those in power, I realized that my art could only be that of protest—a protest against what I felt to be a death sentence.
  • On how he used artwork as a form of protest (as quoted in “’What better function for art at this time than as a voice for the voiceless’: The Work of Chicano Artist Malaquías Montoya”; 2019 Feb 15)

• I remember sometimes growing up I would feel ashamed of my mom or my dad if they came to pick us up at school, because they never looked like all the other mothers and fathers; they were always dirty because they had been out in the fields, drove in to pick us up at 3:00 so we could go to work…So I remember when I heard Chávez speak, when I saw him on television, I remember thinking that my mom and dad had actually contributed to the wealth of this country and I shouldn’t feel embarrassed by them or feel bad for them.
  • On how his viewpoint of his parents changed after the advent of César Chávez (as quoted in “’What better function for art at this time than as a voice for the voiceless’: The Work of Chicano Artist Malaquías Montoya”; 2019 Feb 15)

• I see their role as the same as ever; the artist is to give voice to the issues that are given to us in a confused manner, so that people can understand the role that they must play…I think the role of the cultural worker is to define those things we receive from those that are in power, and give it back to the community, presented it in a more clear way.
  • On how technological advancements have not diminished the cultural role of artists (as quoted in “’What better function for art at this time than as a voice for the voiceless’: The Work of Chicano Artist Malaquías Montoya”; 2019 Feb 15)

• I am much more articulate and able to express myself more eloquently through my art…It is with this voice that I attempt to communicate, reach out and touch others.
  • On how he turns toward art to communicate on his behalf in “Giving a Voice to the Voiceless: Malaquias Montoya, Renowned Artist” in The Bottom Line (2014 Jan 29)