Leo Tanguma

Leo Tanguma is a self-proclaimed “ordinary Mexicano” from Beeville, Texas (Tanguma 1).  How did someone so ordinary become the center of such controversial artwork?  Many travelers have described his work as offensive, inspirational, creepy, enlightening, and even apocalyptic (“What’s up With the Creepy Apocalyptic Paintings in Denver International Airport?” 1). His art has been seen by millions of people, and it can be perceived differently by everyone (Wanderer 1). Was he actually trying to use his art to expose hidden secrets of the Denver Airport or was he attempting to bring awareness to the unjust treatment of the human race?

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Leo Tanguma has a brilliant open mind that is able to express his beliefs. He was born in San Antonio, Texas in 1949 of Mexican and Cuban descent, during a time when racial inequality was rampant (“The Denver Airport Murals and the Conspiracy Theories Surrounding Them” 1). From a young age, he was exposed to murder, drugs, abuse, and racism (Tanguma 1).  When it comes to his artwork people do not consider his past life; they see evidence of the Illuminati and the DIA being a shelter for a mass extinction (Bailey 1). According to Jeanne, Leo Tanguma’s wife, “They are just spreading lies. Leo’s work is about cultural identity, the struggle for social justice and peace, women’s liberation, etc. — to name a few of his themes” (Wanderer 1). The events he experienced in his life and the trials he went through are enough to tear any one down, but instead he has taken these encounters and portrayed them in a way to make people take notice.

 

Leo Tanguma is an honest person who does not shy away from controversial issues. When discussing his work with Ande Wanderer, Tanguma said “I don’t think I should be shy about saying what I think is negative so that young people will consider what I’m saying and what I’m portraying” (Wanderer 1). Tanguma is exposing many deep truths about the world that many people want to look away from. The darkness that many avoid is being brought into the light and is becoming unavoidable and causing the discomfort that people are feeling. In his art Tanguma portrays images that represent the constant struggle for dignity and justice (“About the Artist Leo Tanguma Chicano Muralist” 1). His want for people to wake-up and pay attention to the everyday problems, that are right in front of us, drives him to continue his work. Tanguma states, "The values and subject matter for my murals have come directly from the people, and it is for the community that I paint" (“About the Artist Leo Tanguma Chicano Muralist” 1).

 

Leo Tanguma has been a humble man since the start of his life. All of the choices (listed below) he has made have influenced his art in major ways. With all of his success and publicity, positive and negative, he still considers himself “plain” (Wanderer 1). Someone who brings so much hope and awareness to people that might otherwise be forgotten, is anything but plain.