Low & slow: New Mexico State University Museum takes a look at lowrider culture on the border

In New Mexico, lowrider culture has not only endured but grown over the decades.

The culture is a symbol for identity and heritage for many Mexican Americans.

It’s no different along the border in southern New Mexico.

This is the exact impetus behind the exhibit, “Low & Slow: Lowrider Culture on the Border,” which opens at the University Museum at New Mexico State University. The exhibit will have an opening reception from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8. It will run through September 2024.

Norma Chairez-Hartell, University Museum curator, says the exhibit will be located in the East Gallery inside Kent Hall. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

“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,” 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 eventually made its way to Texas and New Mexico. Española in northern New Mexico is often called the lowrider capital of the world.

The lowrider community is tight-knit as they often work locally to help out by bringing awareness to and raising funds for local causes and people in need.

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

“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 suiter is very beautiful.”