Cruising past prejudice

The International Museum of Arts & Science (IMAS) opened its doors Aug. 22 with an exhibition “Lowrider Culture in the United States” displaying artifacts, photographs and custom pieces of lowrider culture. 

Mexican Americans in South California started this art in the 1940’s just after World War II when the Chicano communities still faced racism, discrimination, deportation, mob violence, school segregation and still found ways to express their culture with art.

IMAS curator Marcelo Alejandro Ramirez gave The Rider a tour of all the displayed pieces of the exhibition. 

“Without unity, there cannot be community and that’s what this is about,” Ramirez said. 

IMAS, being the only Smithsonian affiliate in South Texas, they get access to exhibits that they develop among their network. The lowrider culture exhibit is hosted by the National Museum of American History and was developed by a team at the National Museum of the American Latino.

“We thought it would be a great fit because of our predominantly Hispanic community and how significant the lowrider itself has been as a symbol for Mexican American identity, for contemporary folks here in the United States.” Ramirez said.

Built by many hands of artists, such as “EL INDIO” a local artist who has worked on many car projects, one person works on paint, another on engraving the chrome and so forth. 

“A celebration of heritage, culture and Mexican American identity.” Ramirez said. 

The exhibit “Lowrider Culture in the United States” at IMAS in McAllen runs through Nov. 15.