Latino/Chicano, Lowrider and Gangbanger T-Shirt Art collection, 1980-1995, undated

Printable guide [HTML]
Request items

Summary

Abstract:
The collection consists of display samples of Latino, Chicano, lowrider and gangbanger t-shirt designs, decals, patches, and cards from the 1980s to the 1990s. Some of the designs were supplied by Francisco's Exotic T's, Photo-Lith International, and SSI. Many of the designs draw on gang-related street art forms--tattoo flash and graffiti placas. There are also designs inspired by Christian iconography; album cover design; and lowrider artwork. Some designs reference Latin music; others are targeted to Latinas, children and military veterans. There are designs emphasizing Central and South American countries, as well as some U.S. cities and states. A few designs reference Chicano Power and Mojado Power. The items included in the collection were originally displayed in a now-defunct store in San Francisco's Mission District, and customers would select illustrations that would be heat-transferred onto their own clothing or onto t-shirts sold by the shop
Extent:
6.4 linear feet. 5 boxes
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Box/folder no. or item name], Latino/Chicano, Lowrider and Gangbanger T-Shirt Art collection, Collection no. 0519, Boeckmann Center for Iberian and Latin American Studies, Special Collections, USC Libraries, University of Southern California

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of display samples of Latino, Chicano, lowrider and gangbanger t-shirt designs, decals, patches, and cards from the 1980s to the 1990s. The display samples are printed on off-white or black tyvek and heat transfer sheets; many of the tyvek samples are in the shape of t-shirts. Also included are heat transfer patches, decals, and greeting cards. The samples and items are in both color and black and white. Some of the designs were supplied by Francisco's Exotic T's, Photo-Lith International, and SSI. Only two designs have identified illustrators: "Zaraic" and "Clapez". Many of the designs draw on gang-related street art forms--tattoo flash and graffiti placas. There are also designs inspired by Christian iconography; album cover design; and lowrider artwork. Some designs reference Latin music; others are targeted to Latinas, children and military veterans. There are designs emphasizing Central and South American countries, as well as some U.S. cities and states. A few designs reference Chicano Power and Mojado Power.

Biographical / historical:

The items included in the collection were originally displayed in a now-defunct store in San Francisco's Mission District, and customers would select illustrations that would be heat-transferred onto their own clothing or onto t-shirts sold by the shop.

Acquisition information:
Purchased from Bolerium Books, May 4, 2011.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Advance notice required for access.

Terms of access:

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Boeckmann Center Librarian. Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

Preferred citation:

[Box/folder no. or item name], Latino/Chicano, Lowrider and Gangbanger T-Shirt Art collection, Collection no. 0519, Boeckmann Center for Iberian and Latin American Studies, Special Collections, USC Libraries, University of Southern California

Location of this collection:
Special Collections
Doheny Memorial Library, Room 209
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0189, US
Contact:
(213) 740-5900
specol@usc.edu
Website