We the Resilient

Ernesto Yerena Montejano was born in El Centro, CA, a mid-sized farming town bordering Mexicali, BC, MX. Fueled by her transnational upbringing, her artistic practice reflects her observations of the perspectives and interactions between Mexican communities living on both sides of the US-Mexico border. The artist shares stories of his identity conflicts which he says are connected to what many Chicanos in these communities experience. Although Yerena identifies as Chicano, he also identifies strongly as native/indigenous to this continent which is often seen in his work. Her work depicts her frustrations with oppression in her community as well as the creation of community solidarity works in defense of dignity and rights. Through her cheeky images, the artist highlights political concerns with subjects that depict cultural icons, rebels, and ordinary people speaking out against oppression. In 2008 Yerena established the publishing project Hecho Con Ganas in which he produces political and social awareness images which are produced in limited edition silkscreen prints. Highly recognized for his activism, Yerena is the founder and curator of the Alto Arizona Art campaign (2010) as well as a founding member of the We Are Human campaign (2009). Yerena has collaborated on many challenging projects which include artists Zack de la Rocha, Shepard Fairey, Manu Chao, Ana Tijoux, Philip Lumbang, Jaque Fragua, Diane Ovalle, Chuck D and Mochilla.