From barrios, restaurants, and bus stops, to history, civil rights, and pride, San Antonio’s mixed culture is the topic in Centro De Artes’ “Nuestra Gente” exhibit.
Entering the exhibit, the vivid colors on the canvases give spectators the perception they are about to embark on a journey.
After taking a look at a few portraits on the wall, it’s apparent that “Nuestra Gente” isn’t your ordinary art exhibit. The exhibit’s goal is to tell the untold stories of the local gente, or people, of San Antonio, Joseph Bravo, exhibit coordinator said.
“Taking a glance at one of his portraits would be the equivalent of having a first person account of that model’s emotions, social status, traits, imperfections and qualities,” Bravo said.
Bravo describes this phenomenon as “messe en scene,” which means ‘placed in the moment’ in French.
Local artist Mario Garza, whose works are featured in the exhibit, specializes in illustrating stories from influential local people to common people seen on the streets of downtown San Antonio.
“Too many people are not paying attention to their surroundings,” Garza said. “They’re not looking at anything. How interesting is it to stop yourself and go back and say, ‘Hey I want to talk to you. What’s your story?’ And then they tell you.”
Artist Carolina Flores’ artwork takes the viewer into deeper personal accounts of Texas history. Flores’ art recreates what feels like fragments of people’s past.
The tone in Flores’ artwork evolves from biased and emotional, to abstract.
After experiencing this exhibit, the viewer’s perspective might broaden when taking their next stroll in downtown San Antonio or even in their neighborhood. Viewers walk away more aware of San Antonian’s personal challenges, successes and failures.
“Nuestra Gente” will be on display daily through May 8, except holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To learn more, contact Centro de Artes at http://www.tamusa-ecac.com
