El Pollero

Alfredo Zalce

An etching by Alfredo Zalce of a chicken vendor or farmer, if taken literally; however in Mexico the name has a much broader and controversial meaning. In this image he sticks with the former, presenting a man with bundles of chickens slung over his shoulders, ready to be taken to market. Zalce uses a Cubist style and deep chartreuse ink to create this vivid, powerful image.

"El Pollero" is also slang for "coyote", a term used to signify a person who illegally transports people - primarily Mexican citizens but other nationals as well - into the United States. The role of El Polleros is deeply controversial; some view them as saviors; others, as villains. The political meaning behind such figures is one that Zalce was likely not afraid to address in his own work and in his political activism.