Joe Arpaio Skewered in Opening of Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center
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| Crucifixion by Ramon Delgadillo |
I've often fantasized about an anti-Joe Arpaio art show utilizing the talents of the Phoenix art community, a show that would address the ongoing repression and tyranny here in Marikafka County (as some call it) in specific, and our beloved state of Ari-bama, in general. I've even promoted the idea to local gallery owners on Roosevelt Row, with no takers. The fine art satraps told me they were afraid of being targeted by the MCSO.
There's no such skittishness at the newly-opened Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center/Galeria 147 on Adams Street, right across from the Hyatt in downtown Phoenix. Their debut show Visiones included 45 different artists, some of whom attacked our home-grown persecutor of Hispanics and his troop of MCSO Latino-hunters straight on.
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| Francisco Garcia's mural Para al Arpaio |
Perhaps the most iconic offering was Ramon Delgadillo's painting Crucifixion, showing a sainted prisoner in stripes, arms outstretched, palms showing stigmata, as an MCSO deputy points a gun at the inmate, ready to shoot. These two figures engage on a empty field of bright orange, like actors in a modern passion play.
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| Part of Garcia's mural, inspired by a New Times cover image |
There was also a funny metal sculpture of Arpaio by Chino Valley artist David Romo. Joe's represented with an actual gator (or croc) head wearing a copper crown. In one skeletal hand, he holds a pair of tiny handcuffs. The other hand bears a key. Hey, Christmas is coming up, and it sure would look great on Arpaio's desk, if anyone wants to present it to him at his next public event. Heh.
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| Sculptor David Romo envisions Joe as a creepy, lizard-y kng |
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