Colombian+American+Artwork

Max Marchiano's SPACE
Many Colombians emigrated from their country because they wanted to escape their countries current situation. Since the 1950's, Colombians have been dealing with political, social, and economic problems, and widespread insecurity. The last 4 decades have been involve with armed conflict, with attempts but no success to peace agreements, and a persistent drug trade. The Colombians are surrounded by violence where ever they turn. Over time, the armed confrontation has evolved from an ideology based conflict to one driven by territorial control and economic interests. Today irregular armed groups are involved in drug trafficking, kidnapping, and terrorist activities. America has been recipient of migrants for the past four decades due to large scale migration. The first Colombian community formed in New York City after World War I. Their main reason for coming to America is to find opportunities of work that their country could not provide.

Colombia has contributed a lot to America. Colombians are one of the founding countries that have brought empanadas to America. One piece of Columbian art is a one man Broadway show called Freak. This play was written and performed by Colombian American John Legizamo. This show was an autobiographical comedy about his trip to America and his life that he has lived until now. This show was very interesting and brought up many aspects of growing up as a Columbian American. Another important and influential Colombian American is Shakira (Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll). Shakira was the first artist to perform a Spanish language song at the MTV Video Music Awards. Many American artists had influence on her work, including Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, The Police, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Nirvana. She has also influenced many American artists work such as Beyonce. Shakira has won over 55 awards since her debut album and over 15 of them have been American awards. She holds the most American awards by a Latino Artist. Shakira's music has been without a doubt one of the most influential Latino American styles of all time.

John Leguizamo's show illustrated many important traits of the life of a Columbian American Immigrant. Even though it may be considered a comedy, it speaks about troubles that Colombians went through to become Americans. He talks about his family members such as his parents, grandparents, uncle, and his brother. Leguizamo lets his audience know what his parents were thinking as they decided to come to America. He allows the audience to get inside his train of thought. Shakira's first English album "Laundry Service" is shows her true step to becoming a true America. By making an all English album, it shows that she has fully adapted to American culture. Sharkira has transcended from only Spanish speaking songs and evolved to English ones too. With this album being a success, she has reached the American dream of being successful when coming to America.

This is the playbill for John Leguizamo's Broadway show //Freak//.

This is the album cover to Shakira's first English album. It was a big step as a Columbian American.