Asco

A conceptual performance group, Asco was active in East Los Angeles between 1971 and 1985. Group members Willie Herrón, Harry Gamboa, Jr., Patssi Valdez, and Gronk developed an improvisational performance style that combined elements of Chicano culture and a satirical response to urban alienation.

Included in the Asco file in the Ybarra-Frausto collection is one issue (vol. 2, number 4, 1974) of the journal Regeneración, which analyzed Chicano social issues, and included articles, poetry, and artwork by Asco members in the five issues published.

Photograph of the artist collective, Asco, 1983. Harry Gamboa, Jr., photographer. Copyright Harry Gamboa, Jr. Founding members of the group: from left Willie Herrón, Gronk, and Harry Gamboa Jr. (Patssi Valdez, another founding member, not pictured.)