Laura Aguilar
Context: Laura Aguilar was a Latina Photographer, focusing on Minorities in her community and photography. Latinix Women, Lesbians, and Larger Women. She was seen to be ahead of her time in discussions about topics that would seem normal in today's climate back in the 1980 and 90s. She focused on these groups due to her own interest, she belonged to these groups as well.
Personal: her brother got her into photography, since she had terrible dyslexia she felt that she had trouble express herself. Since her Auditory Dyslexia was so bad in her early life, it made if nearly impossible for her to read or communicate. She Unfortunately didn’t make much in money, and had to lived off grants and odd jobs mostly, in the late 2000’s she had to quit due to health and money problems.
Highlights: Her art was considered exemplary, and she was given a good few awards. Even if she didn't make much money or get acknowledged in photography she kept doing what she wanted. Sadly, her art was not understood to its fullest extent until near her death. She was ahead of everyone, she didn't just take pictures, she discussed the human condition.
“In Sandy's Room”, 1989. Gelatin Silver Print, 42 x 52 inches.
October 26, 1959 - April 25, 2018
She lived in San Gabriel, California
“Clothed/Unclothed #14”, 1991. Two Gelatin Silver Prints, 20 x 16 in
Three Eagles Flying”, 1990. Three Gelatin Silver Prints, 24 x 20 in
Nature Self-Portrait #11”, 1996. Gelatin Silver Print, 16 x 20
Education Guide:
Why would Aguilar want to photograph minorities?
Why do you think photography is so important as an artform.
How important is the work Aguilar done for the communities she documented.
What can photography do that other artforms cant
Citations and Sources:
Los Angeles times
Chicana Photography: The Power of Place
Artforum
Vincent price art museum
Dazeddigital
https://www.dazeddigital.com/art-photography/gallery/25144/26/show-and-tell-by-laura-aguilar