Vincent Valdez, ACLU of Texas 2025-2026 artist-in-residence, is a San Antonio-born visual artist who lives and works between Houston and his hometown. He creates large-scale, representational paintings that confront injustice and inequity while instilling subjects with empathy and humanity.
During his residency, Valdez produced a 22-drawing series titled “The New Americans,” which depicts the faces and places that he encountered over the past year in his search for those working toward a better tomorrow, today. His residency culminated with a special event at the Rothko Chapel in Houston with Lonnie Ali, CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center, followed by a pop-up tour through Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio to distribute signed prints and share voting rights information with nearly 1,000 people ahead of the midterm election.
In November, voters changed the face of power in Texas at the ballot box. “The New Americans” is a visual reflection of this contemporary American moment — documenting expressions of collective protest that demanded this type of change, while highlighting individuals who have been working for decades to create change in their local communities.
Valdez’s series is a reminder that, in the words of ACLU of Texas Executive Director Oni K. Blair, “Democracy is bigger than a single election.” Texans have been organizing for generations to fulfill the promises of our constitution. With these images by our side, we will continue that work of perfecting our democracy.
We recently spoke with Valdez about his new series and his residency.
How does art reach communities in a way that other methods cannot?
Art reaches the people when it reflects the people. This is what remains to be seen from politicians and the political systems today.
I am moved by the ways in which people feel connected to this project. Over the past year, I’ve randomly encountered [prints of “The New Americans” drawings] on walls in coffee shops, in students’ dorm rooms, people’s homes and offices… People began collecting and trading them like sports cards, which I admired.
Your series “The New Americans” captures our political moment and centers themes of unity, resilience, and the struggles and hopes of democracy. What was your inspiration for this project?
People are the inspiration behind this series, which documents scenes, faces, and communities around Texas and across the United States. I drew portraits of people like the late Dolores Huerta, a remarkable and visionary leader; Daniel Celaya, whose Be Free Gallery allows visitors to see the world through the lens of formerly and currently incarcerated artists; Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, who advances tribal rights through legal action and advocacy; Joy Land, who uses democratized art mediums like printmaking, murals, and puppets; Lonnie Ali, who opened the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville with her late husband and now leads the center; and Oni K. Blair, executive director of the ACLU of Texas.
I am motivated by the uncompromising, genuine efforts of individuals who aspire to help others because, simply, it is still the right thing to do.
This project brought you back to where you grew up, where your artistic practice was nurtured through community organizations like the Esperanza Peace & Justice Center, the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, and San Anto Cultural Arts. We held one of our San Antonio tour stops at the Guadalupe Latino Bookstore, where people lined up an hour before the event started, and there were people in line an hour after it ended.
What do you hope people will take away from your series?
I offer “The New Americans” as a report — as small reminders that there are people out there who shine bright even in the darkest of hours. Perhaps these reminders will ignite sparks in others as they do with me, encouraging me to continue to get up and push forward each day.
At the start of your residency, you spoke about “The New Americans” as “a reminder: to fight the good fight, like a stubborn pulse in a dying heart.” What are some of the ways you’re witnessing people “fight the good fight” in addition to voting?
Acts of goodwill, generosity, concern, and solidarity are some of the genuine ways I’ve seen communities remaining resilient against a system that openly and actively encourages an effort to remain comfortably numb.
“The New Americans” is available to view and download at aclutx.org/NewAmericans.
To stay up-to-date with Vincent Valdez, follow him on Instagram or visit his website.