Last Supper with Magu
Magu in his studio
“You have to collect your ignorance”
I was late to the party or should I say celebration, knowing Magu Lujan was a celebration of Chicano art.
Sometime 2006 I saw an announcement for a Mental Menudo, a gathering for Latino artists to dialog about issues and events occurring in Los Angeles. Out of interest, I went to the meeting. Uncertain of what I walking into, I stepped down into a one room gallery where chairs were set in a large circle. As I took a seat, I watched people filter in as small groups. I felt like an outsider not knowing anyone, but everyone seemed to know each other. I may have been the only one new person feeling out of place, but I knew I was where I needed to be.
As the meeting began, a man with a round face and nearly white hair cropped close to his head, sat and began the meeting. He gave out the evening’s topic and instructions. “If you want to speak, raise your hand and wait your turn.” As soon as the discussion started, almost half the group of thirty had their hands raised. The man with the white hair guided the ferocious discussion that had quickly escalated and when things got too heated, the man redirected the conversation and slipped in a joke to break the tension. I learned the man with the infectious laugh was Magu, he was respected by everyone in the meeting. I left the first meeting fired up and ready to take action. It was the first time I had been inspired without limitations of being a minority - a Chicano artist.
In a following meeting, I was able to get to know Magu and one of his first questions he asked me was how did I described myself. I said, “I’m Mexican-American.” To which Magu replied, “You’ve been brainwashed by the Euro-centric school system. You’re Chicano.”
The question and Magu’s response left me speechless and pondering. It’s what Magu did. He would make you ponder your own actions, thoughts and creativity.
Magu had the ability to make everyone feel their own calling to be creatie. He elevated people around him, it was intentional on his part. He seemed to quickly pick up on my interest in video production and welcomed me taping my visits with him. He invited me to a few private Mental Menudos and I always felt thankful for the invite.
In those private times with Magu he always left me with new kernels of wisdom such as, “You have to collect your ignorance” and “If you’re not making good decisions in your life it’s because you’re not painting. Are you painting?”
Sadly, Magu passed before we could have our lunch meeting as we promised we would, but I don’t mourn his loss, I celebrate his work and the gifts he gave me.
Magu had an impact on my life and through BF Cafe I hope to carry on what Magu taught me. I hope to inspire people by helping them find their creative voice.
