Organized by the Robert and Francis Fullerton Museum of Art, Cal State University San Bernardino, CA, where it premiered in 2023, Brown Baroque: Objects of Opulence, is an installation project by artist Linda Vallejo twelve years in the making. It is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalog with three critical essays, artist statement, resume, and bio, and multiple plates.

The exhibition examines and interprets the politics of color, class, and privilege by appropriating and reconstructing American antique and pop objects to invite the viewer to consider socio-political, socio-culture issues in a space where history, culture, and data interact in an imaginary futurist space. Life-size Victorian interiors are painted in milk-chocolate brown to ask: How are Latinos seen, how do we see ourselves, what is our status in American history? And what are our contributions to American culture and economy?

DATOS SAGRADOS, 2017 30% of US Population will be Latino in 2050, All gouache and pencil on handmade paper

For decades, Linda Vallejo has used her talent, factual information, and references to popular culture to create disparate juxtapositions that can foster questions, prompt conclusions, and call to action. Social and cultural issues like color, class, privilege, visibility, and belonging are addressed from her perspective as a Chicana artist.