Patrociño Barela: The First Hispanic Artist Recognized Nationally Patrocinio Barela (1900–1964) stands as a singular figure in twentieth-century Hispanic New Mexican art, recognized by scholars and artists alike as the inaugural Mexican-American artist to achieve widespread acclaim. Born around 1900—precise birthdates remain elusive—Barela’s formative years unfolded amidst hardship and itinerant labor, shaping his artistic vision prof…