On June 7th, 2024, I attended the Caros y Cultural Cruise event at the Bullock Texas History Museum. At this event, I saw the Caros y Cultural: Lowriding Legacies in Texas exhibit, which showcased lowrider culture throughout Texas. Lowrider cars, bicycles, and even clothing were among some of the treasures displayed. Each lowrider car represented the creator behind them, accompanied by a label stating the lowrider, the creator's name, and a brief about lowrider culture in their hometown. The experience I had not only increased my competencies in lowrider culture, it also made me feel empowered in my Latindad.
Before learning about the event, I had no idea Austin had a lowrider scene. I was eager to attend due to my connection with the lowrider community in my hometown of El Paso, TX. When I was a high school senior, I wrote a research paper on the lowrider community's efforts to preserve artwork at a community gathering site.
In 2019, the Texas Department of Transportation planned to demolish 30-foot columns supporting an overpass to reconfigure the freeway system. These columns held artwork depicting the Chicano community in El Paso, and the local lowriders advocated against the demolitions, viewing it as an attack on their community. Despite the city proceeding with the plans, the lowriders' efforts were remembered. They inspired me to delve deeper into their culture and community.
During my time at the exhibit, I had the opportunity to reconnect with memories of conversations with members of the lowrider community in El Paso. At 18, I knew their community efforts were significant, but I didn't fully grasp what it meant to be part of the lowrider community. Having this background knowledge but lacking a full understanding made my visit to the Bullock Museum all the more significant to me.
The exhibit not only showcases three-dimensional objects of lowrider culture but also provides briefs about its history, prominently displayed upon entry. For the purpose of this article, I will define lowriders as stated in a press release from the Bullock Museum: 'The word “lowrider” can describe a car: low to the ground, usually equipped with hydraulics, boasting a fantastic paint job, chrome, and customized upholstery.' Visitors are immediately introduced to the roots of lowrider culture and the inspirations behind these creations. The design of lowriders began in the United States after WWII within the Mexican-American community, often featuring classic models like the Chevy Impala. They served as a form of cultural expression and gained popularity during the Chicano Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.
While some may not initially consider lowriders as an art medium, attending the exhibit likely changed many minds. Each lowrider tells its own story, reflecting the unique vision of its creator. Inside the exhibit, you can visually perceive the personality of each individual through their cars. Individualism is expressed through color choices, seating textures, rims, and mechanical upgrades.
One standout example for me was Mercedes Mata’s lowrider from Dallas, TX, notable for being the only all-pink lowrider in the exhibit and featuring a heart-shaped steering wheel.
Mercedes Mata was not only the only woman displaying a lowrider but also one of the youngest. It was particularly meaningful to see her highlighted in an industry often perceived as male-dominated.
One aspect that particularly struck me was the artwork adorning the hoods of the cars. For instance, there was a lowrider featuring an image of the 'Virgen de Guadalupe,' representing the Catholic influences in the Mexican community.
According to a label on Arturo DeHoyos’s lowrider, it’s common for lowriders to be painted with murals or portraits of deceased individuals as a form of honor and celebration of their lives. On Arturo’s lowrider, there is a portrait of Vicente Fernandez, a well-known Mexican musician who passed away in 2021.
Lowrider culture is more than just upgrading and designing cars; it also reflects what Mexican Americans are listening to and wearing. For example, vinyl records of popular songs and albums that were played in the community, particularly during the Civil Rights movements, were on display as part of what's known as the East Side Story. Expression through clothing was highlighted with a display of Zoot Suits, known for their sharp, classy look and popular among the pachuco subculture in the 1930s. Alongside them were Cholo Outfits, which combine streetwear with a classic zoot suit style.
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