Bajito y suavecito, or “low and slow,” describes a lowrider—both a customized vehicle and a way of life. These cars reflect their owner’s style and identity. They also evoke a history of community empowerment and are symbolic of Chicana/o identity. It’s about pride in the ride.
To create a lowrider, older cars are redesigned by lowering the chassis, reupholstering the interior, and repainting the exterior. Drivers cruise streets slowly in their lowered vehicles, allowing onlookers to appreciate the rolling work of art.
A lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into those vehicles. They are actual works of art.
In 1977, Sonny Madrid, Larry Gonzalez, and David Nuñez published the first issue of Lowrider Magazine (LRM). They were active members of the Chicano movement and sought to celebrate Chicano culture. When the magazine began featuring scantily clad models on its covers, circulation surged. For four decades, LRM profoundly influenced and spread lowrider culture and aesthetics around the globe.
Publications on view:
Custom Lowriding Japan (March 2000 and May 2005)
Lowrider Arte (June 1998 and December 2009)
Lowrider Bicycle (Winter 1993)
Lowrider Euro (Spring 1998)
Lowrider Japan (September 2004)
Lowrider Magazine (January 1977–December 2019)
Orlie’s Lowriding (May 1992)
Street Low Magazine (June 2005–March 2015)
Collection of the Gene and Cathie Lemon Art Research Library, Phoenix Art Museum: Library purchase with funds provided by Lynette Heller, Cathie Lemon, and the Papp Family Foundation. Photo by © Denver Art Museum
Denver Art Museum: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Ken Robins, 1990.18 © Tony Ortega
Tony Ortega
Chicano, born 1958 in Santa Fe, NM, lives and works in Denver
Check Out the Low Rider, Ese
1989
Oil paint on Masonite
Denver Art Museum: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Ken Robins, 1990.18
© Tony Ortega
Every Sunday from Cinco de mayo (May 5) to September 16, Denver lowriders show off the details of their ride by cruising low and slow or by parking. Tony Ortega’s painting offers a snapshot of this long-running pastime. The sensual curves of the bomba (a customized vintage car from the 1930s–50s) invite us to “check out the low rider, ese” (“guy” or “man”).
Juan Fuentes
Chicano, born 1990 in Denver, lives and works in Denver
When I Roll (Pure Devocion ’96)
2023
Mixed media installation with photographs and ephemera.
Courtesy of the artist
© Juan Fuentas. Photo © Denver Art Museum
Artist includes a spoken word work, "The Cruzers were the First to Go," 2023. Written and performed by Tony Garcia. Additional performances by Su Teatro members.
Exhibition Guide Sections
Desert Rider: Dreaming in Motion is organized by Phoenix Art Museum. It is presented with generous support from the Adolph Coors Exhibition Endowment Fund, The Christensen Fund, U.S. Bank, the donors to the Annual Fund Leadership Campaign, and the residents who support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). Promotional support is provided by 5280 Magazine and CBS Colorado.
