Lalo Alcaraz Exhibition Please Forward My Hate Mail Opening March 20

Author, artist and nationally syndicated cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz brings his exhibition, ‘Please Forward My Hate Mail,’ to the San Diego State University School of Art and Design March 20-30. The exhibition in the Everett G. Jackson Gallery will showcase the Class of ‘87 SDSU alumnus’ political cartoons and his commitment to social justice. 

Alcaraz is an award-winning artist in media, visual, television, and film outlets. He is the creator of the syndicated daily comic strip La Cucaracha, seen in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the Los Angeles Times and other newspapers nationwide. 

As a cultural consultant for the 2017 Pixar movie “Coco,” Alcaraz helped creators in making an accurate, impactful and representative film showcasing the Mexican holiday, Día de los Muertos. As a Chicano artist, Alcaraz hopes to be a role model for youth as a Chicano breaking through the art world.

“I never knew the world that would open up for me after my time at SDSU. It feels really nice to come home and be acknowledged where it all began,” said Alcaraz. 

From his humble beginnings as a Daily Aztec cartoonist and MEChA member, Alcaraz found a passion for art and activism, and hopes to inspire today’s students to find their calling. Alcaraz looks back on his time at SDSU fondly and now appreciates his education more than ever. 

“I let life wash over me, and it's funny, life has a way of presenting you with opportunities you can’t pass up. I wouldn’t change a thing,” said Alcaraz.

A discussion on the art of political and social satire as part of artistic expression will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 22 at 220 West Commons. Panelists are Alcaraz, Bill Nericcio moderator, professor of English and Comparative Literature; Herbert Siguenza, SDSU Arts Alive Artist in Residence, and Alessandra Moctezuma, professor, Museum Studies, San Diego Mesa College. There will be a reception to follow in the gallery at 6:15 pm. Both events are free and open to the public.

Alcaraz is often asked for advice for young artists, and what he has to say is simple. 

“It all starts with a pen and paper,” said Alcaraz. “Art is a basic form of human expression; if you want it, you have to go for it. You’ll never know where it can take you unless you try.”

As an alumnus, Alcaraz reminisces on his time as a student and has a message for students today. “Appreciate where you are now; you have a great education and even better opportunities if you take advantage of them.”