Mexican American

Refers to the Mexican American movement in the United States beginning in the 19th century, characterized by artistic and political discussions addressing social issues relevant to Mexican and Chicano communities. The movement is driven by a rediscovery of Pre-Columbian indigenous styles, the development of highly expressionistic Mexican mural painting, and by controversies in cultural studies surrounding bi-culturalism and ethnic heritage and identity. The movement also reveals strong regionalist elements, promoting vernacular forms and techniques to expound traditional and contemporary iconography. In urban communities, the movement is characterized by the creation of customized cars known as low-riders and by graffiti art.