Daniel Stange de Acatl
Posted August 8, 2024
Somos Chicanos y cuando suenan juntos hacemos historia. We have a collective history, and we have a collective memory. People of the earth can use artistic mediums to transcend individual and isolated pain that other people’s history has painted upon us. It is said that the victors tell the story of why and what occurred. Still, it is the artists that capture the essence of past events and as those silent masses that never told their story are healing, there is a flicker of hope that can be remembered in a dream.
There is an artist collective that began in Denver Colorado in 2000 that is called Los Fantasmas Artist Collective and there were four people that started the dream–Carlos Frésquez, Tony Diego, Josiah López and Izzy Lozano. The concept behind Los Fanatsmas is that “we, artists of color were and are not seen as an integral part of the typical art world and we, Los Fantasmas are changing that by creating sightings, places and opportunities for Fantasmas, artist of color to be seen.”
The Collective now has seven members, and they recently acquired a gallery space to host events, programs, exhibits and other works. The Gallery is located at 901 Englewood Parkway, Suite 112, Englewood, CO 80110.
August 3rd was the opening night of a project they featured called Collective Dreaming and included fellow artists that produced #NotWhite Collective. Thirteen women of color including Madame Dolores presented some of their artwork and helped to introduce this new space to the community.
Los Fantasmas hosted the evening with dozens of community members, artists and guests to this wonderful new location, that is conveniently located at the base of the causeway and staircase in the Englewood Light Rail station.
El Semanario Livestream produced a video and interview with the artists Tony Diego, Madame Dolores and Carlos Frésquez to discuss their visions. Watch here.
Tony Diego explains that the collective is always looking for new artists and an example of this organic collaboration is revealed by artist Madame Dolores of #NotWhite Collective who gives an elaborate history. It reflects the shared ambitions to have artists that want to heal from colonization or “Decolonize” as many say. The opening reception was an invitation to show how two collectives can come together and share a dream. A dream where the artists that seldom receive recognition or distinction from today’s popular mainstream.
“Look at the Art sector from a different lens, a lens that is not focused on the ‘western’ view of beauty and what is considered excellent art.” These words from Madame Dolores of the #NotWhite Collective echo the ambitions of what Los Fantasmas Artist Collective also aspire through their healing and return to the natural. Listening to Tony explain what inspires his art is closely related to appreciating the natural world. They are working to increase spaces and work with youth organizations and men’s healing circles so they can expand their mission. They focus on native American culture but are not exclusive to those disciplines or artists and they are open to dialogue. They are accessible and very personable, and they are part of the community.
Check out Los Fantasmas Collective Instagram, and make an appointment with them on their website to view the space and the artwork. You can also email Tony Diego directly at losfaz50@gmail.com and for further information regarding their programs and events.
Danny Stange de Acatl is a Denver Native and Cultural activist that serves his community on various levels.
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