Chinga La Migra Art Show with Fulano De’Tal: Art, Identity, and the Power of Creative Expression
Artist Fulano De’Tal poses with his art at the Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery. (Photo: Erik Kalligraphy)
Inside the walls of the Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery in Seattle, art wasn’t just hanging on the walls — it was part of a larger conversation about culture, identity, and community.
At the Chinga La Migra Art Show on March 7, artists gathered to share work that speaks to lived experience and cultural expression. Among them was artist Fulano De’Tal, whose work blends abstraction with emotional storytelling.
“I used to call it modern abstract,” he said. “But as I started looking closer at my work, it became more like modern abstract expressionism — trying to evoke emotion through line and blank quality.”
For Fulano, art has always been present. Long before gallery walls or exhibitions, it lived in the margins of notebooks.
“I remember my homework in grade school being littered with sketches and little graphics — anything to not pay attention,” he said with a laugh.
But those early distractions eventually became a language of observation.
“Life inspires me. Just being observant — those little details or moments people don’t notice. I try to bring those into focus in interesting ways,” he said.
Community gathers at the Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery. (Photo: Erik Kalligraphy)
The importance of spaces like Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery goes beyond simply showing art. For Fulano, it represents something he didn’t have growing up: a cultural home for artists who look like him.
“Spaces like this are extremely important,” he said. “It’s a Chicano art gallery. Growing up, I didn’t have that. Having a space like this could have encouraged me to pursue art even more.”
The gallery has become a hub where artists and community meet. It’s a place where culture is not just displayed, but lived. For young Chicano artists trying to find their way, Fulano offered simple but honest advice.
“Keep doing what inspires you. Believe in yourself more. Family means well, but sometimes they don’t understand creative paths,” he said.
His message is ultimately about trusting your own voice. In times of uncertainty, Fulano believes art becomes even more important.
“In the most fascist times, art is the first thing that gets attacked,” he said. “Creativeness gets attacked because we’re observant. We think differently. We ask questions.”
That’s why, to him, art is a form of expression that belongs to everyone. For Fulano, the goal isn’t just to make art, but to live it.
“Bring art into your life,” he said. “Even if you think you’re doing something that isn’t artistic, there are ways to bring creativity into it. That’s what increases the value of life.”
In spaces like Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery, that philosophy becomes clear, bringing together creativity, culture, and community under one roof.
Follow Fulano De’Tal on Instagram: @arteizzy
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