Art + Art history

Rafael Ferrer: Istoria de la Isla, 1974: Floating Island of Resistance

Leave a Comment / Art + Art history, Puerto Rican Art History /

Rafael Ferrer’s 1974 series, Istoria de la Isla, utilizes maps to reflect Puerto Rico’s intricate history and identity. The artist connects emotionally to the island’s legacy, emphasizing resilience amidst external challenges. As a Latina educator, the author aims to educate younger generations about their culture and history to foster pride and inter-cultural understanding.

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Grid of four Puerto Rican paintings recreated by a woman named Nellie Escalante

Recreating Puerto Rican Art: A Personal Journey

2 Comments / Art + Art history, Puerto Rican Art History, Uncategorized /

During the pandemic, the author recreated iconic Puerto Rican artworks to highlight cultural contributions often overlooked. Each piece served as an inspiration, reflecting strength, faith, and resilience. Through these recreations, the author explored personal identity and empowerment while sharing the rich history of Puerto Rican art, especially focusing on women’s narratives.

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compilation of images of women using their sewing machines in Latin American Art

The Sewing Machine in Latino/Latin American Art

Art + Art history, Mexican Art, Puerto Rican Art History /

September is National Sewing Month, inspiring a celebration of Latin American art featuring sewing themes. Highlights include Fernando Botero’s “Taller de costura,” which captures Colombian life and “boterismo,” and Antonio Martorell’s “La Playa Negra,” symbolizing Puerto Rican migrant struggles. Also featured are Yolanda López’s feminist “Our Lady of Guadalupe” series, Diego Rivera’s revolution-themed murals, and Agustin Lazo’s intimate, surreal seamstress paintings.

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Painting of aBlack Woman with a Blue Hat and Dress by Miguel Covarrubias

Latin American Artists in the “Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism” Exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Art + Art history /

I’ve been having an amazing time giving tours at the Met’s Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism exhibition. One surprise were the Latin American artists in the exhibit like Cuban artist Teodoro Ramos-Blanco, who sculpted Langston Hughes, and Mexican artist Miguel Covarrubias, who painted Harlem’s jazz scene.

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Amalia Mesa-Bains: Archeology of Memory: Seeing this exhibition with my sister was everything!

2 Comments / Art + Art history, Mexican Art /

I visited the Amalia Mesa Bains: Archeology of Memory exhibition with my sister, and it felt like we had our own excavation of memories. The artworks reminded us of our mom’s sewing and sacrifices. We talked about family history, courage, and living beyond our potential. This exhibit is best enjoyed with loved ones!

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Portrait of my Family by Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo: Portrait of my Family

Art & Real Life, Art + Art history, Mexican Art /

Frida Kahlo painted “Portrait of My Family” throughout her life, illustrating her cherished relatives and her emotional losses. After a serious bus accident at 19, bedridden Frida turned to art for solace, supported by her family’s care and adapted tools. The author connects with Frida’s resilience during their own challenges, finding strength and self-expression in creativity and community support in the midst of personal struggles with their son’s autism.

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General in front of a window in 18th century Puerto Rico

“El Gobernador Don Manuel Antonio de Ustáriz” by Afro-Puerto Rican artist, Jose Campeche

Art + Art history, Puerto Rican Art History /

The perspective view of San Juan’s Fortaleza Street in the portrait of El Gobernador Don Manuel Antonio de Ustáriz from 1792 is Puerto Rican artist José Campeche’s affectionate tribute to his native city. It is also a portrait that reveals the history of Puerto Rico during the latter part of the 18th century.  Who was

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