“¿Ahora?”

“Now. Ahoritita.”

And they come—Ralph and Alice and James and Rat Nose—all expectant and wondering what in diablos is going on. Before any of them can wedge a word in, I blurt, “We’re taking back our names. We don’t, we’re borrados. Blotted out.”

“You mean ‘Rat Nose’ is dead?” Ralph moans. “Such an excelente and rodential name?”

Critical Viewing: Theme How does this painting relate to the theme of identity?

Untitled, 2001, Sandro Chia. Oil on canvas, private collection.