Guide to the Luis C. Gonzalez papers
CEMA 74
Finding aid prepared by Callie Bowdish and Lauren Cain, 2014.
UC Santa Barbara Library, Department of Special Collections
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California, 93106-9010
Phone: (805) 893-3062
Email: special@library.ucsb.edu; URL: http://www.library.ucsb.edu/special-collections
2014; Revised 2015 July 6
Title: Luis C. Gonzalez papers
Identifier/Call Number: CEMA 74
Contributing Institution:
UC Santa Barbara Library, Department of Special Collections
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
3.0 linear feet
(34 posters, 3 UFW flags, and 1 half-size document box)
Date (inclusive): 1980-2003
Abstract: This collection contains graphic art posters printed by Louie "the Foot" Gonzalez, a prolific Sacramento, California based
artist. He is a member of the renowned Royal Chicano Air Force, a collective of activist Chicano artists and actively supported
the United Farm Workers of America and its leader Cesar Chavez for whom he produced posters. The posters, flags, and papers
are 3 linear feet.
Physical Location: Del Norte Map Case
Language of Materials: The collection is in English.
creator:
Gonzalez, Luis C.
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Use Restrictions
Copyright has not been assigned to the Department of Special Collections, UCSB. All requests for permission to publish or
quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Special Collections. Permission for publication is given
on behalf of the Department of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply
permission of the copyright holder, which also must be obtained.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of Item], Luis C. Gonzalez Papers, CEMA 74. Department of Special Collections, UC Santa Barbara Library, University
of California, Santa Barbara.
Acquisition Information
Donated by Luis C. Gonzalez, August 29, 2002.
Processing Information
Callie Bowdish and Lauren Cain, 2014.
Biography
Luis C. Gonzalez (aka Louie-the-foot) is a prolific Sacramento, California based artist whose paintings and poster art have
been exhibited widely in this country and abroad. Born in Mexico City, Gonzalez settled with his family in Sacramento where
he completed high school and attended Sacramento State University. His creative work as an artist began in the 1960's. Gonzalez
is a member of the renowned Royal Chicano Air Force, a collective of activist Chicano artists with whom he became associated
as a youth; he also became involved with the United Farm Workers of America and its leader Cesar Chavez for whom he produced
posters. His concern and support for the farm workers is a recurring theme in much of Gonzalez' work.
He acquired his nickname "Louie-the-foot" by arriving on foot at demonstrations and marches. He continues that tradition through
his day job as a rural postal carrier. Gonzalez' aim is to foment pride in Chicano culture and history. He also is well known
for his use of concrete poetry in his artwork. His combination of colorful graphic patterns and words in his many poem-paintings
as well as posters reflect his bilingual cultural heritage as well as his sense of humor. Gonzalez comments, "my goal was
to become a writer of Chicano stories. I had a fascination with words and the fact that I was bilingual only added fuel to
the fire."
Gonzalez' silk screen print
Just Another Poster? was selected as the thematic icon for the national touring exhibition on Chicano graphic art "Just Another Poster?", organized
by the UCSB University Art Museum in collaboration with the California Ethnic and Multicultural Archives and the Center for
the Study of Political Graphics.
Related Material
Royal Chicano Air Force Archives (CEMA 8)
Scope and Content
The collection contains 41 silkscreen prints and various news clippings and paper ephemera concerning Luis C. Gonzalez's life
and work. Thirty six of the prints are on poster paper, three are on cloth flags, one is on a paper bag, and another is on
foam core.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Royal Chicano Air Force
United Farm Workers of America
Chicano art
Mexican American art--California--20th century
Box 1, Folder 1
Biographical Materials
creator:
Gonzalez, Luis C.
Silkscreen Prints
Physical Location: Del Norte map case
16 de Septiembre Celebration, Announcement poster for
circa 1985
General Physical Description note: image size: 19 x 23 in.; paper size: 20 x 24 in.
creator:
[Artist Unknown]
General note
Announcement poster for Mexican Independence Day reads: “Sacramento Concilio and\ La Raza Bookstore Present\ 16 de Septiembre
\Celebration\ Sunday, September 15, 1985\ 12 noon – 6 p.m.\ Southside Park\ 7th and T Streets\ Sacramento, CA\ Music by CALIFAS
and LOS\ ELEGANTES, Mariachi,\ Ballet Folkloricos,\ Breaksancers, Food\ Booths, Arts and Crafts\ “Desfile de Colores”\ at
14 and I Streets, 11 a.m.\ A Mexican American Community Endeavor supported by\ Marksetin Beverage Co. of Sacramento, CA.\
CALIFAS also appearing at ORTAA;S WEST,\ Friday and Saturday, Sept. 13 and 14.” On viewer’s right is portrait of Ignacio de
Allende along with a brief description of Mexican Independence Day. Poster is red and light blue. unsigned.
Cinco de Mayo Celebración, Announcement poster for
circa 1980
General Physical Description note: image size: 15.5 x 22 in.; paper size: 17.5 x 23 in.
creator:
[Artist Unknown]
General note
Image of a stylized young male dancer wearing a red, orange, yellow and green headdress. He is holding two yellow and black
hand instruments. Colors are: gold, green, red, yellow, blue, black and white. Blue background. Figure is surrounded by multicolored
floral designs. [addendum: information given by Ricardo Favela 2/97. Designed by Louie's uncle Gil and printed by Louie 'The
Foot' Gonzalez]. unsigned. Inscription in black located in the white area near the figure's foot reads: "copyright (c) 1980,
gil y RCAFoot, c/s. " Announcement poster for, “1980 Cinco de Mayo Celebracion/ May 2- May 5 – May 6 Cerritos College/ Dance,
musica, arte, films, comida, y mucho mas/ Chicano Studies/ MEChA/ Spanish Club.”
Dia de la Primavera, Announcement poster for
circa 1982
General Physical Description note: image size: 27 x 21.5 in.; paper size: 28.5 x 22.5 in.
creator:
[Artist Unknown]
General note
On viewer’s right poster reads: “Dia de la\ Primavera\ Thursday\ April 29, 1982\ 10 am-5pm\ C.S.U.S\ South Union Lawn\ Music
by Sueno, [sic.]\ Lalo Guerrero\ Ballet de Sol\ Arts and Crafts\ Speakers,\ Cosas for Kids\ (Chu-Chu the Clown,\ Balloons
and more)\ La Raza Unisa Estudiantil\ Activities Finance Council.” On viewer’s left is a blue and white image of covered boats
on a river; the boats are named (Conchita, Elizabeth, Adelita, Rosita). unsigned.
Foothold in Aztlán, Announcement poster for
circa 1990
General Physical Description note: image size: 16 x 24 in.; paper size: 20 x 26 in.
creator:
[Artist Unknown]
General note
Announcement poster for an exhibition, poster reads: “Foothold in Aztlán/ Louie the Foot Conzalez/ Nov 12-Nov 30, 1990, Sac
State/ Sponsored by C/SUS M.E.Ch.A.” unsigned.
Tenth Annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration, Announcement poster for
circa 1985
General Physical Description note: image size: 22 x 34 in.; paper size: 23 x 35 in.
creator:
[Artist Unknown]
General note
Top: image of skull in a sun; underneath image poster reads: “Tenth Annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration…” (poster contains
more information on workshops, programs and procession). Background is pink. Two copies; one copy has gold sun rays, in the
other copy the rays are blue. unsigned.
Box 1, Folder 2
(title unknown)
undated
General Physical Description note: image size: 4.5 x 6 in.; paper size: 7 x 10 in.
creator:
[Artist Unknown]
General note
Item is a holiday card with a Posada image on the front. Image shows two skeletons in white and dark purple. One is holding
a sickle and threatening the other. The background is three horizontal stripes of red, white and green. The opposite side
is printed, "FELIZ NAVIDAD/ and a/ HAPPY NEW YEAR" in red. unsigned.
Box 1, Folder 2
(title unknown)
undated
General Physical Description note: image size: 4.5 x 6 in.; paper size: 7 x 10 in.
creator:
[Artist Unknown]
General note
Item is a holiday card with a Posada image on the front. Image shows two skeletons in white and dark purple, one is holding
a sickle and threatening the other. The background is a green and orange gradation. The opposite side is printed, "FELIZ NAVIDAD/
and a/ HAPPY NEW YEAR" in the same dark purple as the skeletons. unsigned.
Box 1, Folder 2
(title unknown)
undated
General Physical Description note: image size: 4.5 x 6 in.; paper size: 7 x 10 in.
creator:
[Artist Unknown]
General note
Item is a holiday card with a Posada image on the front. Image shows two skeletons in white and dark purple, one is holding
a sickle and threatening the other. The background is a teal and purple gradation. The opposite side is printed, "FELIZ NAVIDAD/
and a/ HAPPY NEW YEAR" in the same dark purple as the skeletons. unsigned.
(title unknown)
undated
General Physical Description note: image size: 18.5 x 24.5 in.; paper size: 22 x 28 in.
creator:
[Artist Unknown]
General note
Full portrait of Emiliano Zapata; background is green, white and red vertical stripes. unsigned.
Cinco de Mayo, Announcement poster for
1985
General Physical Description note: image size: 13 x 21 in.; paper size: 14 x 22 in.
creator:
Cuellar, Rodolfo
General note
Inscription in the lower right corner in white reads: "Printed and designed by Cuellar, Gonzalez and Assoc." Announcement
poster for "Cinco de Mayo." Green, white and red background. Black type in green area reads: "Cinco de Mayo." Image of a brown
eagle holding a white banner in its beak. The banner reads: "Chicanismo lives todavia, C/S." White type in the red area reads:
"1862, 5 de Mayo, parade...5:00-6:00 Ascencion." unsigned. (two copies)
(title unknown)
1995
General Physical Description note: image size: 14 x 20 in.; paper size: 16 x 22 in.
creator:
Garcia, Max
General note
Image is an encircled Eagle’s head on yellow background on pink poster paper (head is red, background is blue). Text that
reads, "RCAF/ Royal Chicano Air Force" is below the eagle. unsigned.
(title unknown)
circa 1995
General Physical Description note: image size: 20 x 30 in.; paper size: 22 x 32.5 in.
creator:
Garcia, Max
General note
Image of three human figures beneath an eagle. One is dressed as a pilot with paintbrushes in his front pocket. They are printed
in dark red on blue paper. Text in pink immediately below the figures reads: "Piloto of Aztlan MG 95" and beneath that in
red is, "Royal Chicano Air Force." unsigned.
A Color Barrio in Harmony
1993
General Physical Description note: image size: 19 x 11 in.; paper size: 20 x 12 in.
creator:
Gonzalez, Luis C.
General note
Abstract image of rectilinear and curvilinear shapes in blues, pink, red, orange, yellow, greens, brown, and purple on a white
background. 10/35 ed.; signed.
La Despedida del Revolucionario
undated
General Physical Description note: image size: 23.25 x 37.25 in.; paper size: 26 x 40 in.
creator:
Gonzalez, Luis C.
General note
Based on a print by Jose Guadalupe Posada of a Mexican revolutionary kissing a woman. Their two forms fill most of the composition.
Text on the bottom left reads: "LA DESPEDIDA DEL REVOLUCIONARIO" and on the bottom right, "Jose Guadalupe Posada (1852-1913)."
The colors red, orange, yellow, gold, brown, gree, black, gray, blue, and lilac were used. The background is a gradient from
red to orange to yellow. The other colors used are brown, gold, blue, dark turquoise, gray, brown, white, green, and a gradient
of purple to lilac. 27/40 ed; print: Silkscreened by Louie the Foot; signed.
Dia de los Muertos
undated
General Physical Description note: image size: 14.75 x 30.25 in.; paper size: 23 x 35 in.
creator:
Gonzalez, Luis C.
General note
Black and white image of an Indigenous god statue; background is red. Underneath image poster reads: “Dia de los Muertos.”
unsigned.
Dia de los Muertos
undated
General Physical Description note: image size: 14.75 x 31.25 in.; paper size: 16.75 x 33 in.
creator:
Gonzalez, Luis C.
General note
Black and white image of an Indigenous god statue; background is gold. Underneath image poster reads: “Dia de los Muertos.”
unsigned.
Día de los Muertos - Mask Exhibit, Announcement poster for
undated
General Physical Description note: image size: 14.75 x 34.25 in.; paper size: 15.75 x 35 in.
creator:
Gonzalez, Luis C.
General note
Announcement poster for "Día de los Muertos - Mask Exhibit." Black and white image of an Aztec god statue. White type on a
black background reads: "Día de los Muertos Oct. 3-Nov. 15 Mon. - Sat. 12-5 PM 'Caras y Mascaras' Mask Exhibit by El Zarco
Guerrero. Galeria Posada, 1223 F Street Oct. 23 11-4PM Community Mask-making Workshop Washington Neighborhood Center, 16th
& D Street Nov. 1 4-7PM Procession from Hiram Johnson High School (14th Ave. and 65 St. to St. MKary's Cemetary. Mass and
Indigenous Ceremony." unsigned; chopmark: "RCAF, c/s" in white located vertically on the lower left side at the bottom.
Don't Hate the Bait
2003
General Physical Description note: image size: 13 x 9 in.; paper size: 15 x 11 in.
creator:
Gonzalez, Luis C.
General note
Image contains three stylized faces, question marks, and overlapping geometric and abstract shapes. The image is composed
of red, yellow, green, white, purples, orange, blue, black, silver, and gold with varied shades created by the overlap. Text
in the upper right reads: "A FAILURE TO/ EXCOMMUNICATE/ CAN ERADICATE/ A POTENTATE/ IN ANY STATE/ JUST WAIT." 6/22 ed.; signed.
En Estos Ojos
undated
General Physical Description note: image size: 11.5 x 8 in.; paper size: 15 x 13 in.
creator:
Gonzalez, Luis C.
General note
Image of Suzie Montoya's face on a yellow, green and red background. Gray type in her hair reads: "En estos ojos / del pasado
y el futuro / de pirámides y promesas / sonrie el alma / de una Chicana / y sobre alas de la Raza / vuela el viento de esos
ojos / fixing spirits del Movimiento / con la sonrisa / de un pensamiento. c/s." signed; inscription in the lower left corner
reads: "Foto: J. López."
La Guerra Continua
1982
General Physical Description note: image size: 12 x 18 in.; paper size: 23 x 29 in.
creator:
Gonzalez, Luis C.
General note
Image of a person in blue-gray and brown (male or female is unclear); background is purple. 2/20 ed; signed.
El Jarabe Tapatío de José G. Posada
1995
General Physical Description note: image size: 17.5 x 11 in.; paper size: 19.5 x 13 in.
creator:
Gonzalez, Luis C.
General note
A Posada image with seven skeletal images on an orange/yellow gradated background. 17/44 ed.; prnt: silkscreened by Louie
The Foot c/s; signed.
José Guadalupe Posada’s “En El Puente Blanco (Baile Popular)”
December 1980
General Physical Description note: image size: 20 x 14 in.; paper size: 24 x 18 in.
creator:
Gonzalez, Luis C.
General note
Inscription located on the lower border of the image reads: "Jose Guadalupe Posada's ' original lithograph is by José Guadalupe
Posada, this image was screened by Louie “the Foot” Gonzalez." Image is of a lively, polychromatic group of figures on a gold
background including a band and three couples dancing. The other colors used are black, red, burgundy, blue, sky blue, yellow,
pink, green, and mauve. 6/30 ed. and 25/30 ed.; prnt: Louie the Foot; signed. (two copies)
Marcha de la Reconquista
undated
General Physical Description note: image size: 18.5 x 16 in.; paper size: 19 x 18 in.
creator:
Gonzalez, Luis C.
Other Descriptive Information
The image is blue, pink, orange, green and black. The subject of the poster is a protest crowd and several authority figures
wearing helmets printed in pink. The only text is a sign held up by a figure toward the top of the poster that reads, "Viva
La Causa." A/P; signed.
Mexican Folk Toys, Announcement poster for
circa 1993
General Physical Description note: image size: 18 x 24 in.; paper size: 18 x 24 in.
creator:
Gonzalez, Luis C.
General note
Announcement poster for exhibition of Mexican folk toys. Poster reads: "Mexican Folk Toys\ Nov. 7- Dec. 12, 1993\ C.S.U.S
Museum of Anthropology\ Mendocino Hall – Main Flooer\ Sponsors: C.S.U.S, Cross Cultural Resource Center, Dept. of Anthropology,\
C.S.U.S. Library, Office of University Affairs, Hornet Foundation,\ Mexican Consulate, Centro Cultural Mexicano\ For more
information call: 278-3708 Hecho En Aztlan [sic]/Gonzalez.” Poster includes la loteria cards with pictures of La Matraca,
El Trompe and El Balero. 2 copies. unsigned.
One More Canto, Announcement poster for
circa 1983
General Physical Description note: image size: 13 x 33.25 in.; paper size: 15 x 35 in.
creator:
Gonzalez, Luis C.
General note
Announcement poster for "One More Canto." Photo silkscreen image of a stone carving of Xochipilli, ancient Indigenous god
of poetry, on a black background. Black type on an green background reads: "Ancient Indigenous God of Poetry, (flor y canto),
flower and song, c/s, RCAF, One More Canto, Joint Reading of Chicano and Native American Poets...Donation $3.00." unsigned;
Poema al Che
1978
General Physical Description note: image size: 32 x 20 in.; paper size: 35 x 23 in.
creator:
Gonzalez, Luis C.
General note
Image of Che Guevara on viewer’s left. On viewer’s right: “Que se apague la guitarra que la patria está de duelo nuestra tierra
se oscurece mataron al guerrillero C/S Pablo Neruda.” Translated as, "The guitars are kept silent/ because the homeland is
in mourning/ Our land grows dark. They killed the guerilla." The background of the print is black with dotted gold markings
throughout. The text of the poem is a loose gradient of green, blue, yellow, orange and red. A circle comprised of rings of
yellow, red and orange/brown shapes fills the top right corner. 35/35 ed; signed.
Posada's Taller, D.F.
1990
General Physical Description note: image size: 16 x 22 in.; paper size: 22 x 28 in.
creator:
Gonzalez, Luis C.
General note
Eight colors. Three men leaning against the front of Posada's workshop. 61/100 ed; signed.
De Tollan
1990
General Physical Description note: image size: 3.5 x 5.5 in.; paper size: 7 x 10 in.
creator:
Gonzalez, Luis C.
General note
The image on the left side of the card has several irregular round shapes of different colors that look like balloons or lollipops.
The image is divided horizontally providing a gradation of blues for the sky and a pastel tan color for the ground. Underneath
it is the title in gray. A/P ed.; signed.
Undecimo Dia de los Muertos
circa 1986
General Physical Description note: image size: 29.5 x 39 in.; paper size: 30 x 40 in., mounted on foam core.
creator:
Gonzalez, Luis C.
General note
Posada image of a skeleton playing a guitar. Text reads: “Sabado 1ro. de Noviembre 1986\ Procesion: 4:00pm Excuela Joseph
Bonnheim 7300 Marin Ave to St. Mary’s Cemetary 65th and 21st Ave\ Misa a las 4:30pm\ LA Raza Bookstore\ Galeria Posada Presentara
una Exhibicion del Sr Linares Llame a 446-5133 Para Informacion C/S." The background is aquamarine and the skeleton is gray
and white with a red flower. The text is in the same red and aquamarine colors. unsigned.
Why is Love Such a Mystery?
2003
General Physical Description note: image size: 11 x 14 in.; paper size: 13 x 16.5 in.
creator:
Gonzalez, Luis C.
General note
Polychromatic image of a surreal head on orange-green gradation. The head is a teal-white-purple gradation covered with question
marks and abstract shapes in gold, orange, green, white, blue, yellow, red, and silver. The image is on a black poster and
framed by white block letters that read: "are you the one?/ who will? complete me? or/ just an illusive fantasy?" 1/20 ed.;
signed.
Xilonen Rifa
1996
General Physical Description note: image size: 8.75 x 7 in.; paper size: 10 x 8 in.
creator:
Gonzalez, Luis C.
General note
Image is of a face in green and black on a multicolored abstract background made by geometric shapes which overlap in red,
pink, orange, yellow, and green to create varied shades. In addition there are smaller shapes in magenta, black, gold, and
blue that cover the image but are concentrated around the border. 17/46 ed.; signed.
(title unknown)
2003
General Physical Description note: image size: 17.5 x 13.5 in.; paper size: 18 x 14 in.
creator:
Gonzalez, Luis C.
General note
The image is comprised of two abstract figures in muted gray, red and yellow. signed.
(title unknown)
2003
General Physical Description note: image size: 20 x 13 in.; paper size: 22 x 15 in.
creator:
Gonzalez, Luis C.
General note
Image of six skulls in black, light orange, gold and white which overlap in pairs. The background is orange, green, purple
and aquamarine. signed.
(title unknown)
undated
General Physical Description note: image size: 13 x 19 in.; paper size: 15 x 21in.
creator:
Gonzalez, Luis C.
General note
Image of a nude female, large face in lower left corner, gray on yellow, 2 copies. signed.
(title unknown)
circa 2000
General Physical Description note: image size: 16.5 x 22 in.; paper size 17.5 x 23 in.
creator:
Lerma, Ruben
General note
Image is the figure of a child sitting on the floor with his head down and arms wrapped around his knees. The figure and background
are created by varied patterns of black lines on the white background. Bold text above in yellow says, "DO NOT HURT THE CHILDREN!!
VOTE "NO" ON PROP. 227." unsigned. Inscription on the back reads: "painted by a 2nd generation RCAF one of the Independent
Young Pilots."
United Farm Workers (UFW) Flags
Physical Location: Del Norte flat files (map cases)
creator:
Gonzalez, Luis C.
UFW Flag
April 1993
General Physical Description note: Image size: 10.25 x 11.5 in.; paper size: 22.5 x 18 in. Silkscreened on a cloth flag.
creator:
Gonzalez, Luis C.
General note
Image of the UFW logo, a black eagle, on white background. "Huelga" is printed above the eagle and "UFW AFL-CIO" is below,
also in black. Silkscreen on cloth flag of the United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO.The commemorative flag was used for
the funeral of Cesar Chavez upon his death in April 1993. This marks the only time a white flag was used by the UFW.
UFW Flag
April 1993
General Physical Description note: image size: 13.5 x 13.5 in.; paper size: 22.75 x 18.75 in. Silkscreened on a cloth flag.
creator:
Gonzalez, Luis C.
General note
Image of the UFW logo in a white circle on red background. "Huelga" is printed above the eagle and "UFW AFL-CIO" is below
in black. Silkscreen on cloth flag of the United Farmworkers of America, AFL-CIO.
UFW Flag
April 1993
General Physical Description note: image size: 10.25 x 11.5 in.; paper size: 24.5 x 17 in. Silkscreened on a brown paper bag.
creator:
Gonzalez, Luis C.
General note
Image of a black UFW symbol, an eagle and "HUELGA" printed in bold above and "AFL-CIO" below.
UFW AFL-CIO Flag
General Physical Description note: image size: 10.25 x 11.5 in.; paper size: 21.75 x 20.5 in. Silkscreened on a cloth flag.
Other Descriptive Information
Image of the UFW logo in black on red background. "Huelga" is printed above the eagle and "UFW AFL-CIO" is below in black.
Silkscreen on cloth flag of the United Farmworkers of America, AFL-CIO.
Flag for Huelga - photo print
