This artist feels that art, as a universal language, can communicate his political ideas most effectively. An activist, Chuy Rangel seeks to make his art a unifying factor in an age of rich cultural diversity.

The work of Chuy Rangel melds popular culture and politics. In this mode, the works proposed for purchase allude to the Loteria. In La Familia, a family of three is pictured in silhouette on a street sign. They are running and the word "Caution" appears above them. This could be a particular reference to undocumented people who cross the border. The wit of El Perdido (The Lost One), which depicts Christopher Columbus, speaks for itself. La Frida canonizes the Mexican painter Frida Kahlo while the mythologized Che Guevarra appears as El Comandante.

Clearly Rangel likes to work in a universal language and this is iterated in his artist's statement: "As I bear witness to an ever-changing world of cultural diversity, art is one unifying venue that creates a language, a manifestation of expressing self-identity as an attempt to understand each other's passion and meaning of life."

It is interesting to note that Chuy Rangel began art lessons at the age of ten and his first job as a professional artist was as a sign painter at the age of twelve. Clearly, strong visual communication was instilled in him at an early age. This talent is seen not only in his work as a printmaker and photographer but also in his award- winning graphic design. He also notes his work as an activist, serving as a volunteer for the United Farm Workers Union and currently working at the Canoga Park Youth Arts Center of the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department.

Of his recent work, Chicano Loteria he has written:

1. La Familia (187): “The political discourse of this series begins with the painting titled "La Familia", which questions the magnitude of society’s prejudices and rights given by the constitution of the United States of América. The number 187 refers to the controversial proposal of the 1994 California Ballot: Proposition 187 (hence “187”). If implemented, Proposition 187 would deny citizenship to any newborn child of undocumented parents living in the United States of América. It would also restrict the privileges of any child or adult, within the state of California, the right to public health, education, and or any other governmental aid without proper documentation of citizenship.”

2. El Perdido (92): “The original painting created by John Vanderlyn, titled “Landing of Columbus” has Chris holding a flag pole with the flag of Spain marking his discovery of “new land” which he thought was India therefore started calling the people Indians in the year 1492 (hence “92”). My version of the “Landing of Columbus” has been changed to “El Perdido” (the lost one) and I have removed the flagpole, instead he is pointing as if the greatest explorer really knows where he’s going; “We are to sail that way …or is it this way?”

3. La Shy Girl (3): “The infamous aka/placa of “La Shy Girl” is used by many Chola/Homegirl living in and/or out the varrios of East Los (East Los Angeles) and beyond. The most commonly used signifier/tattoo for any Chola/Homegirl to reveal her “Mi Vida Loca” (my crazy life) is to have tattooed “Los Tres Puntos” (the three dots, hence “3”) between her index finger and her thumb. “La Shy Girl” painted on the Chicano Loteria piece is throwing her affiliated gang sign of an “F” with her right hand and has her “Tres Puntos” tattooed on her left hand.”

4. El Plan (69): “In the fall of 1969 (hence “69”) at the University of
California at Santa Bárbara several prominent Chicano organizations came together to share their goals and objectives for the improvement in education and community empowerment for Chicano students across the nation. A document was created out of this conference known as “El Plan de Santa Bárbara” (hence “El Plan”) and gave birth to a new organization known as “Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán” aka M.E.Ch.A.”

5. El Campo Santo (1): “One of the most celebrated dates in México (since its ancient inception) November 1st (hence “1”) has been the date in which it is known as “All Saints Day”. On this day the indigenous people of México decorate the gravesite of their loved one and await for their return to earth. The gravesite painted is that of my Grandfather Jesús Rangel whom I am named after, but never knew.”

6. El Comandante (67): “The infamous image of Ernesto “Che” Guevara, photographed by Alberto Korda on March 6, 1960, became the most reproduced image in the world but more importantly, this powerful icon stood as the ultimate signifier of a Latin American martyr. But on October 9, 1967 (hence “67”) Che was assassinated in the hills of Bolivia, supposedly Fidel Castro’s men.”

7. La Frida (54): “Although it is unclear of Frida’s actual birth date; her birth certificate revels the date of birth as July 6, 1907, but Frida always said it was July 7, 1910, Frida became a powerful feminist icon as a result of the many events that attributed to her life of politics and her passion for creating art. Frida remained strong after so many agonizing years of physical and emotional pain caused by the trolley incident and husband/artist Diego Rivera; her life came to a halt. Seven days after her birth date Frida Kahlo past away in 1954 (hence “54”).”

8. El Homie (13): “The semiotics and text, which create this body of work deal with the social and geographic context of El Homie. The number 13 accompanies "El Homie" which identifies this individual as one who is associated with “La eMe” (Mexican Mafia). The affiliation of 13 and the letter “M” is that the “M” is the 13th letter in the alphabet hence the code of 13 to be associated with the Mexican Mafia or Marijuana. The signifier F-13 tattooed on a person’s body signifying his geographic origin, hence revealing a sense of pride for his community or gang affiliation to rival groups. Thus, iconography-creating signifiers that transcends through visual language with in the social context of the Mexican sub-culture of a Chicano. The banding of this semiotics on an individual’s body is an attempt of self-expression in revealing the experiences and hardship to other intellects of similar schools.