A hand-lettered sign on the front of the historic APO building in Pilsen offers free printmaking classes—just call Jose Guerrero. For local residents, Mexican-American artists, and scores of students and teachers across the region, Jose Guerrero was an ever-present force in Pilsen, painting some of the neighborhood’s murals and, for more than three decades, leading well-known mural tours.
Si Se Puede—as Jose titled the mural—was rough but dynamic, inscribed with the United Farm Workers’ slogan in red letters.
Our 1980 collaboration with Lynn Takata and a team of youths was the first monumental cement relief mural made in Chicago. For the People of the Future/Para La Gente del Futuro, at North and Springfield Avenues, depicted a massive two-and-a-half-story-tall agave with a tile mosaic in its center and a hand holding out a flag embroidered with pre-Columbian symbols.
Jose continued leading tours weekly until last year, when he became too ill to continue.
In 1995 Jose participated in a portfolio organized by fellow Pilsen muralist Hector Duarte. (Portfolios gather together prints by multiple artists on a common theme, with each participant getting a full set, and with at least one set reserved for exhibition.)
Jose was a fully political artist; none of his work could be said to be only personal. He presented ordinary people in their quotidian comedy and heroism. His work commented on both Chicago and world events, but always with the human presence. He was unique, and he is already missed.
