David Tineo

Artist, teacher, political activist

What is David Tineo known for?

David Tineo, born on May 23, 1955, is an acclaimed American artist of Mexican lineage, often recognized for his exploration of cultural and identity issues as they pertain to Mexican Americans living in the U.S. Born in Douglas, Arizona, a quaint town nestled on the U.S.-Mexico border, Tineo spent the majority of his life and career in Tucson, Arizona. Despite being diagnosed with macular degeneration in 2004 that rendered him legally blind, Tineo's drive to create has not waned and he continues to passionately paint and sculpt.

From an early age, David Tineo was a prodigy. His astounding artistic abilities were apparent, and despite his artwork being rejected from national art contests — judges were doubtful a child could produce such a quality of work — his talent was recognized by his teachers. They fostered his development throughout his academic journey, and he began a serious study of ceramics, human anatomy, and figurative drawing at Cholla High School, from which he graduated in 1974.

Following high school, Tineo received a Pell Grant to study ceramics at Arizona Western College in Yuma, Arizona. He later transferred to Pima Community College in Tucson to complete his studies closer to his family. While at school, Tineo got involved with the El Rio Neighborhood Center, leading him to collaborate with Antonio Pazos on "Nuestras Raíces Humanas". This partnership resulted in one of Tucson's most famed works of mural art.

In 1976, Tineo joined the U.S. Army and was assigned to the S3 Operations Unit of the 3rd Infantry Division stationed in Schweinfurt, Germany. He was promoted to the rank of specialist, with his skills notably being applied to cartography and the production of presentation materials for upper-level officers. Tineo served honorably and was discharged in 1979.

The political landscape significantly shaped Tineo's art, specifically the rise of the Chicano Movement in the 1960s and 1970s. His involvement with community activist groups like the Brown Berets and MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan) is a testament to his commitment to advocating for Mexican-American identity. Recognized as a pioneering leader of the Chicano Mural Movement in Arizona, David Tineo's work was included in "Chicano Art: Resistance and Affirmation", a traveling exhibit organized by UCLA's Wight Art Gallery. This exhibit was the first to focus on the works of artists active in the Chicano civil rights movement, underlining the significance of Chicano art as part of the broader American Art landscape.

Overall, David Tineo's illustrious career and his contributions to the cultural and artistic heritage of both Arizona and Tucson has made a lasting mark on the city's visual history, his murals vivid reminders of the Chicano Mural Movement's impact.