Ester Hernandez's art has been censored, shown at Smithsonian. Now it's being preserved at Stanford

Ester Hernández's influential print "Sun Mad," a critique of pesticide use, is being preserved at Stanford University after being displayed at prominent institutions like the Museum of Modern Art and the Smithsonian. Born in Dinuba, California, to farmworker parents, Hernández's upbringing in the San Joaquin Valley shaped her artistic vision and activism. Her archives, which include personal family items, aim to document the broader Latino experience in the United States, emphasizing community history. Hernández's reinterpretations of the Virgin of Guadalupe, including depictions as a street vendor and a martial artist, challenge traditional narratives and serve as symbols of empowerment. "If I have something to say, I don't worry about how it'll be taken," she affirmed, showcasing her bold approach to art.

Her work not only reflects her personal experiences but also addresses critical social issues, urging viewers to engage with the themes of identity and activism. Jorge Eduardo Sibaja from the Cantor Arts Center noted the importance of Hernández's contributions to Chicano and Latinx visual culture. As her legacy continues to unfold, her art remains a powerful medium for dialogue on social justice.