ASARO (Group of artists)

Asamblea de Artistas Revolucionarios de Oaxaca (ASARO) was born in response to a call from the Asamblea Popular de los Pueblos de Oaxaca (APPO) and consists of stencil artists, grafitti artists, printmakers, painters, photographers, videographers, theater artists, designers, cartoonists, etc. who first met in October, 2006. Their stated mission is to raise consciousness about the social reality of the modern form of oppression faced by people in Oaxaca by taking their art to the street.--From website viewed 11 Mar. 2010.

From the description of ASARO (Group of artists) : collection of prints, circa 2006-2011. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 754866100

ASARO, the Asamblea de Artistas Revolucionarios de Oaxaca, is a collective of younger artists, originally ranging in age from 15 to 31 years, that formed during that state’s 2006 teacher’s strike. The action inspired a wide-ranging political uprising that united several segments of Oaxacan society into an organization known as APPO, the Asamblea Popular de los Pueblos de Oaxaca. Protest focused on criticism of the local government and particularly the state’s governor Ulises Ruiz. Participants included teachers, women’s groups, rural activists, communists, religious activists and artists.

The artists employ printmaking skills learned from Japanese and Mexican master printers. All works are signed collectively rather than by individual artists. Initially, their emphasis was on subjects specific to conditions in Oaxaca. The collective has also devoted a large segment of work to the pervasive violence against women in Ciudad Juárez, as well as to broader Mexican political concerns. ASARO established a popular arts market for local artisans and has established an international reputation.

From the guide to the Asamblea de Artistas Revolucionarios de Oaxaca Pictorial Collection, 2006-2009, (University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research)