Low and Slow: University Museum hosts lowrider culture exhibition

In the face of discrimination, lowrider culture has become a symbol celebrating heritage and identity for many Mexican Americans, New Mexico State University said in a news release. “Low and Slow: Lowrider Culture on the Border” is the latest exhibition at NMSU’s University Museum that touches on the history and culture of the lowrider.

Located in the east gallery in Kent Hall, 1280 E University, Ave., the exhibit will have its grand opening 5-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8.

In conjunction with a show and shine event, the exhibition is free and open to the public, NMSU said.

“The lowrider culture is reflected in our local economy with southern New Mexico being home to many small businesses that specialize in pinstriping, airbrushing and other car customizations,” University Museum curator Norma Chairez-Hartell said. “These businesses not only provide income for families and create jobs, but they also keep the lowrider community together.”

In the U.S.-Mexico border region, the lowrider traces its earliest roots to the 1940s, most notably after World War II. Originating in California, the lowrider culture eventually made its way to Texas and New Mexico. Today, the lowrider community is reflected locally by car clubs and the work they do with local businesses and organizations.

They often do all they can, including pancake breakfasts for veterans and benefit car exhibitions for local children’s medical centers, to bring awareness to and raise funds for local causes and people in need. Earlier this year, they put on a car wash so a local family could get their teenaged son a headstone.

“Colectas," fundraising and bringing awareness to a cause, is a big part of what car clubs do. Chairez-Hartell refers to these clubs as pillars of the community who value helping those who need it.

“I hope people will take away an appreciation for the lowrider community,” Chairez-Hartell said. “I hope they get to know some of the car clubs in the area like Sweet Desires, some of the artists that contributed to the exhibit, as well as well-known figures like Pachukita Precious who will have her zoot suit on display in the exhibit.”

Pachukita Precious is a local zoot zooter in the El Paso-Las Cruces area who has been part of the culture since 1996. A zoot zooter since 2014, Pachukita Precious will have a turquoise zoot suit on display that she says is one of her favorites and describes her persona.

Her attire consists of the tailored suit with high-waisted, wide-legged, tight cuffed and pegged trousers and a long coat with wide lapels and wide padded shoulders. She accompanies the suit with Stacey Adams heels, a blouse, vest, tie, suspenders and a hat at times.

“I very much enjoy attending the lowrider car shows or gatherings and taking a stroll while looking at the beautiful cars and meeting people with the same hobby,” Pachukita Precious said. “I zoot up to represent and honor what I like. Bringing back the era of the zoot zooter is very beautiful.”

She still works on her beloved 1948 Chevrolet Stylemaster.

For more information, contact Chairez-Hartell at 575-646-4056 and normah@nmsu.edu.

Visit univmuseum.nmsu.edu.