Gronk Nicandro, Deathflesh

Written by NEHMA's Staff member Adriane Dalton

October 17, 2014

Gronk was among several Chicano artists that founded East L.A.’s politically radical multimedia artist collective Asco, named for the Spanish word meaning disgust or nausea. Asco’s artistic output directed the sentiment of their namesake toward the L.A. art scene and its institutions (most specifically LACMA). Through the use of graffiti, performances, and photography Asco highlighted social issues such as the exclusion of Chicano artists from museums and the local media’s sensationalized, racist reporting on L.A.’s gang violence.

Independent of his work with Asco, Gronk is known for his prolific output of drawings and prints. This particular piece, drawn on cardboard and depicting a humanoid form surrounded by barely legible text, is pared down and stoic in comparison to the lively and chaotic compositions that make up much of the artist’s output.

This piece was acquired in 2009 through the generous support of the Kathryn C. Wanlass Foundation.