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.

Gliugio "Gronk Nicandro"
American, b. 1957
Deathflesh, 2009
Ink and gouache on cardboard
20.75 x 16.75 inches
Gift of the Kathryn C. Wanlass Foundation