Psychology and art major raises awareness about women’s rights

50th anniversary student spotlight: Izua Banuelos

By California State University, Bakersfield

January 28^th, 2021

“When it comes to other people who are fighting for their rights – it’s terrible to just stand by and not say anything,” said Izua Banuelos, psychology and art major at California State University, Bakersfield.

Banuelos, a senior, set to finish her thesis next semester at the university, is using her passions in two different worlds to make a difference in, not only her own world, but the world that affects everyone.

She had always known that she wanted to be a psychology major, as it was a dream she’d had since she was a little girl. It wasn’t until her second year at CSUB that she also decided to major in art.

“I feel like everyone has this misconception of art in the sense that it’s just throwing paint on a canvas and saying this is your feelings,” added Banuelos.

She was introduced to the history of art until she took a class with Dr. Bill Kelley.

“Izua has a high level of intellectual curiosity, she always seems to be anticipating the next question, and that is a gift which can't easily be taught,” said Dr. Bill Kelley, assistant professor, Latin American and Latino art history.

It wasn’t until she took Dr. Rebecca Weller’s class, Women in Art, that she decided to pursue it seriously.

“I first met Izua in spring 2019 in my Baroque Art course. She was a psychology major and considering an art history minor at the time, but by the end of the semester, she became a double major. Even if Izzie was not a stellar student, and she is, she would have stood out to me for the positive energy that she brought to class,” said Dr. Rebecca Weller, assistant professor of modern art history.

Banuelos wasn’t necessarily into art herself and doesn’t consider herself to be very creative. However, being an art history major allows her the opportunity to analyze the movement and what is happening in the sociopolitical climate.

“I get to learn the reason why people start doing this or what the motive is to why people start doing this,” said Banuelos.

It was in that same art history class that she learned about performance art, which is primarily dominated by women and where she heard about the performance art in Chile, using their bodies and their voices to make a point.

While many choose to major in art studio, Banuelos chose art history, because she’d rather write about what’s happening and document it.

She explained that art history analyzes more of the movement, rather than the art itself. That’s when she decided it was her calling and knew that’s what she was meant to do.

Banuelos considers herself to be an activist and human rights advocate, joining movements or inform those around her through social media.

“I was kind of quiet at the beginning,” she said of using her voice.

The more she’s learned, she’s come into her own of voicing her opinion and speaking up. Although at first, she didn’t feel qualified or informed enough to speak up and didn’t want to spread misinformation.

“After learning and delving deeper, I was like ‘this is something that everyone has to know why women in art are talking about this,’” said Banuelos.

“I just want to help out as much as I can,” said Banuelos.

Whether it’s spreading information, donating or marching in protests, Banuelos wants to bring awareness however she can, to causes that matter.

She has been exploring the performance art in Chile, focusing on the femicide happening in South America, and has been following over the last couple years. She explains that she’s become ‘obsessed’ with it, learning and devouring as much as she possibly can.

“I want people to find out what’s happening,” said Banuelos. “I’m hoping that people realize that these movements, that are mostly dominated by women, aren’t movements that happen because it happens out of nowhere. I want people to realize that there’s a lot of history and a lot that has led to this movement.”

Taking Dr. Rebecca Weller’s class and seeing how passionate she was about the movement inspired her to follow in her footsteps, as well.

Women have been oppressed in the arts for so long and it’s time that they’re able to express themselves. That takes a lot of courage and leadership skills, Banuelos pointed out.

“As I got to know her, it was her kindness and her thoughtful insights that made her a truly outstanding person. We talked about art and art history after class frequently, stemming from a genuine curiosity and love of learning. One would never know she was carrying the weight of two-degree tracts and has been very active in campus life, for she never complained about the workload! I look forward to seeing what she will do in the future,” said Dr. Weller.

Banuelos is the first in her family to go to college.

“I want to give back at much as I can, either to my community or to my parents, because they deserve to have that life that they always wanted,” said Banuelos.

She’s heard their stories of how they enjoyed school or learning, but circumstances didn’t allow them to go.

As she’s engaged in a few of her classes virtually, her parents have also joined in, recalling memories they’d lived through or knew about.

“You’re able to seek that better life for your parents,” Banuelos said of going to college.

Banuelos sees getting her degree as a chance to give back.

“You’re doing it for you, but you have to think about what you want to do with that education – giving to your community and being thoughtful,” Banuelos added.

Once she graduates, Banuelos hopes to become a professor at a university, as she wants to “inspire other people to be who they want to be.”

CSUB has graduated nearly 60,000 students in its 50-year history. Soon, Banuelos will join this group of esteemed alumni.

“We’re that next generation, the leaders, in a sense,” said Banuelos. “We have to inspire the next generation. We have to inspire our own siblings to continue pursuing that education.”