
The Smithsonian Institution is trying something new. At several museums, staff members and acquisitions are coming on board to help highlight the contributions of Latinos. WAMU’s Lauren Landau visited the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. to see what’s behind this effort.
Below, check out some of the works by the Latino artists featured in this piece David Antonio Cruz, Michael Vasquez and Rachelle Mozman.
PISCINA (Cover photo above)
by Rachelle Mozman
2011
C-Print
Sheet: 58.4 × 66 cm (23 × 26″)
Frame: 61 × 68.6 cm (24 × 27″)
Courtesy of the artist
FORAPIECEOFAPPLE
by David Antonio Cruz
2013
Enamel, oil, gold leaf, fabric, a broken plate, paper planes from copied Ellis Island documents on
canvas
Stretcher: 213.4 × 213.4 × 5.1 cm (84 × 84 × 2″)
Courtesy of the artist
IWISHRAINYDAYSCAMEWITHASLICEOFMANGO
by David Antonio Cruz
2012
Oil, enamel, gold leaf, plastic fruits, mother’s plate, paper planes from copied documents of
Puerto Ricans that came through Ellis Island on birch panel
Panel: 152.4 × 152.4 cm (60 × 60″)
Courtesy of the artist
THE NEIGHBORHOOD TOUR
by Michael Vasquez
2007
Oil on canvas
Stretcher (approximately): 243.8 × 182.9 cm (96 × 72″)
Collection of Evan and Stephanie Reed
THIS IS OURS—AJ
by Michael Vasquez
2011
Acrylic on canvas
Stretcher: 243.8 × 182.9 cm (96 × 72″)
Blair and Arthur Rice
It’s fabulous art and sends a strong message. Terrific story. Thank you for sharing this interesting exhibit.
I went to go see it…it was beautiful <3