The National Museum of Mexican Art, a true Chicago cultural gem, is launching three new exhibits, with opening receptions from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 16.
The main gallery will house “Galeria Sin Fronteras” (Gallery Without Borders) from Jan. 16-Aug. 17.
The museum’s website describes the exhibition: “In 1986 a small commercial gallery opened on the East Side of Austin, TX in a predominantly Mexican neighborhood. Inspired by the ideals of Sister Karen Boccalero (1933-97) and the social conscious mission of Self-Help Graphics in East L.A., Galería Sin Fronteras (Gallery Without Boarders) specialized in Chicano, Latin American, and Caribbean art. For thirteen years the Galería was instrumental in commissioning new works, coordinating exhibitions, and promoting emergent Latino artists. Their First-Voice approach resulted in exhibitions that were consciously connected to the social and political realities of their community,”
Professor Gilberto Cárdenas is the founder of Galería Sin Fronteras and the exhibit celebrates Chicago-based artwork from his collection.
Gunther Gerzso (1915-2000), Yellow–Green–Blue / Amarillo–Verde–Azul, 1984, oil on Masonite, NMMA Permanent Collection 2009.45, Purchase made possible by Ray, JoAnn, Doug and Jeff Mota, Fidel and Victoria Marquez, J. Christopher Reyes, Arthur R. and Joanne Velasquez, Rita and James Knox and the patrons of the Cinco de Mayo 2009 Gala
The second exhibit, “As Cosmopolitans & Strangers: Mexican Art of the Jewish Diaspora from the Permanent Collection,” runs through Aug. 3.
The website describes the exhibit: “This NMMA Permanent Collection exhibition explores the notion of both “insiders and outsiders” and the struggle between preservation and integration among the Jewish communities in Mexico. Furthermore, the exhibition provides a unique opportunity to challenge established notions of Mexicanidad (Mexicaness), as these artists of Jewish heritage have been integral to the evolution of a modern Mexican visual culture. The diverse experiences that have cultivated Mexican identity now raise questions of citizenship and immigration.”
The third exhibit, “Fragmentos: Pilar Acevedo” runs through July 13.
Pilar Acevedo, Plum Girl, 2013, oil on wood panel, 47 ½” x 48”, Photo by: Image Group, Bourbonnais, IL.
The website describes the exhibit: “Through disturbing memories and narratives, the works of Pilar Acevedo take us back to an age of innocence, where “loss” is a constant reality. With the union of poetry and sound, Acevedo recreates countless memories from the childhood of women through the fusion of fragments, pieces, and layers of diverse materials. These memories manifest themselves as paintings and assemblages that at first glance, seem peaceful. However, once we delve into them, the characters stare back at us with hollow eyes and wonder, “Is this my guardian angel or monster, are these my saints or demons?”
The museum is located at 1852 W. 19th St.
Admission is free. For more information visit www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org
