REPRESENTING LATINX
Self-representation is central to this section, with the term “Latinx” understood as a sign of both plurality and dissent. It is considered as a construction of identity that references Latin American heritage and ethnicity in the U.S., while also intersecting with African, Indigenous, queer, and trans identities. Symbolic objects and icons, flags, as well as depictions of the human figure are explored in terms of strategies of portraiture, identification, and community. The deconstruction of cultural myths such as the melting pot is addressed in works by David Antonio Cruz, Freddy Rodriguez, Elia Alba, and Nicolás Dumit Estévez, among others.
Highlights
Elia Alba, If I Were A...., 2003. Collection of El Museo del Barrio, New York. Acquired through "PROARTISTA: Sustaining the Work of Living Contemporary Artists," a fund from the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Trust, and a donation from the artist. 2006.8.
David Antonio Cruz, Puerto Rican Pietà, 2006. Collection of El Museo del Barrio, New York. Museum Purchase through a gift from the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Foundation.
Alexandre Arrechea, White Corner, 2006. Collection of El Museo del Barrio, New York; gift of the artist with additional support from "PROARTISTA: Sustaining the Work of Living Contemporary Artists," a fund from the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Trust. 2007.22.
Eloy Blanco, 4000 on Green, 1982. Collection El Museo del Barrio, New York. Gift of Joanne Blanco. P96.2.37.
Scherezade Garcia, Endless Love, 1999. Collection of El Museo del Barrio, New York. Acquired through "PROARTISTA: Sustaining the Work of Living Contemporary Artists," a fund from the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Trust. 2006.13.
Luis Cruz Azaceta, The Crossing, 1991. Collection of El Museo del Barrio, New York. Gift of Ofelia García. 2011.9.1
Francisco Manuel Oller y Cestero, Plátanos amarillos, ca. 1892. Collection of El Museo del Barrio, New York. Gift of Carmen Ana Unanue. 2009.32.
Shaun El C. Leonardo, Portrait of El C, 2007. Collection of El Museo del Barrio, New York. Gift of the artist, 2009. 2009.27.
Lorenzo Homar, 1928–1950, 1957. Collection of El Museo del Barrio, New York. Gift of Gelabert-Macisco Family Private Collection. 2012.17.
Groana Melendez, Primas I, 2006. Mendoza, Santo Domingo, R.D., 2020. Collection of El Museo del Barrio, New York; acquisition Committee Gift, 2021. 2021.006.0002.
Tamara Kostianovsky, One and a half, 2008. Collection of El Museo del Barrio, New York. Gift of the artist, 2009. 2009.19.
Vincent Valdez, The Strangest Fruit, 2013. Courtesy the Artist and Matthew Brown, Los Angeles.
Gregorio Marzán, Bust of a Man, c. 1970. Collection of El Museo del Barrio, New York. S93.196.
Dulce Pinzon, Iceman from the series The Real Story of the Superheroes, 2007. Collection of El Museo del Barrio, New York. Gift of the artist from a commission by El Museo del Barrio, New York. 2007.26.
Freddy Rodriguez, A-Rod Four of Thirteen, 2007. Collection of El Museo del Barrio, New York. Gift from the artist. 2009.29.
Micius Stéphane, Sans titre (Le photographe) [Untitled (The Photographer)], c. 1945–1965. Collection El Museo del Barrio, New York. Gift of Drs. Roslyn and Lloyd Siegel. 2011.21.17.
Nicolás Dumit Estévez, The Flag, c. 2003–2006, Collection of El Museo del Barrio, New York. Photo: Martin Seck. Courtesy of El Museo del Barrio.