INFLUENCIA LATINA

 The Arkansas Arts Center has always been a happy place for me to enjoy the arts and their present Smithsonian exhibit did not disappoint. Our America THE LATINO PRESENCE IN AMERICAN ART/ Nuestra America, LA PRESENCIA LATINA EN EL ARTE ESTADOUNIDENSE will be in Little Rock until the 17th of January. 

72 Latino artists with Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban and Dominican roots were chosen to exemplify contemporary and modern art. The Civil Rights movement of the  60's and 70's served as a catalyst to create the collective term 'Latino' throughout our country.

Included in the exhibit are examples of abstract expressionism; activist, conceptual and performance art; and classic American genres such as landscape, portraiture and scenes of everyday life." 

Amalia Mesa-Bains
 An Ofrenda for Dolores del Rio, 1984 

Although we weren't allowed to photograph the work, the Art Center's pamphlet provided these photos of works with topics of tradition, labor, acculturation, immigration, emotions, neighborhoods, etc...

This modern ofrenda (altar) is done in pink with a sand floor dedicated in memory of a famous actress, Amalia Mesa Bains. The ofrenda concentrates on her likes and desires. Photos are traditionally included in an 'ofrenda.' 

Scherazade Garcia's Dominican York treats the difficulty of immigration and being accepted and dreaming of a different less violent world. 

 Chavez's
el Tamalito

Roberto Chavez felt this young fellow's looks mirrored the look of so many youth in the barrio.  

Xavier Viramontes

                                                                                                                        Chicano labor was the backbone of the California growers. I remember the cost of produce skyrocketing as laborers  demanded safe, fair working and living conditions.  Gracias a Dios for the United Farm Workers movement. ¡Viva la Raza!

Joseph Rodriguez's Carlos from Spanish Harlem, indigenous roots of Judithe Hernandez' Reina de la Primavera,  Emilio Sanchez's portrayal of the neighborhood grocery store along with many others added to the latino fabric all of which gave the visitor glimpses into the latino presence and its importance in our  lives.

The Arkansas Arts Center also provided related opportunities to attend a Tertulia (Party), lecture, UALR film series and interactive projects.  A big Gracias and kudos for bringing these important cultural additions to its community.

If you haven't had the opportunity to visit, there's still time and
 ADMISSION is free. It's a win win...