Louis Carlos Bernal

Louis Carlos Bernal (August 18, 1941 – August 18, 1993) was a Chicano-American photographer. His works focused on social expression and developing a visual narrative, especially during the time of the Chicano Movement. This movement advocated for cultural pride, social justice, and civil rights for Mexican Americans.

Early life and education Born in Douglas, Arizona, Bernal "grew up very aware of his identity and formed an interest in social justice and Chicanx pride" because of the racism that he had to face. After coming to a realization that he had a passion for photography, Bernal attended Arizona State University, where he earned his Masters of Fine Art degree. Afterwards, in 1977, he was offered a position to teach at Pima Community College in Tucson, where he continued to teach throughout the duration of his life while doing his own work.

Career Despite having had artistic success, Bernal struggled financially throughout his career. His breakthrough happened in 1977 when he created the Benitez Suite and participated in Espejo: Reflections of the Mexican American, a touring show that allowed him to develop new techniques. Furthermore, his works contributed heavily to the Chicano Movement in the 1960s and 1970s. One of his most popular series, Barrios, encapsulates the different aspects that comprise Chicanx identity. These were taken in the Southwest, and contains 30 photographs. The collaborative book Louis Carlos Bernal: Barrios comprises both essays from people who knew Bernal personally and some of his photographs and series. Each essay mentions how Bernal put his emotions into his photos, as a way to emphasize the importance of the community ones grows up in, and the inability for a person to isolate themself from their upraising.

Legacy At the age of 48, Bernal was involved in a bicycle–car accident that left him in a coma and eventually led to his death in Tucson, Arizona, on August 18, 1993. However, his legacy will be remembered by creating on of the first large scope photographic records of Mexican American life in Southwest during the 1970's and 1980s.