State of the Art: LA
Isabel Avila’s photographs explore the identity of indigenous people now living in America. Her photos and videos bridge the experiences of Mexican American and Native American people who establish themselves as artists, community figures, and more. These aren’t ordinary portraits–her photographs tell stories quickly and honestly, the subjects looking out with a sincerity Avila captures well. Check out her work at the opening reception on September 20 at 6 p.m. Maybe it’ll motivate you to pick up a camera and start snapping some photos, too.
Museum of Latin American Art
:Lola Álvarez Bravo: The Photography of an Era
Sociales: Débora Arango Llega Hoy / Débora Arango Arrives Today
Contemporary Mexican photography owes much to Lola Álvarez Bravo. The Museum of Latin American Art hopes to shed light on Bravo’s photographic contributions, often forgotten because of other famous photographers from the 1900s– including hubby Manuel Álvarez Bravo. A sneak peek (pictured right) shows an intimate photo of a cranky-looking Diego Rivera. The exhibition also includes unpublished works from Manuel and Lola’s students. The show opens with a panel discussion on September 23rd at 2 p.m.
On the same day, the museum will present work from Débora Arango, a controversy-causing Colombian artist who dared to portray nudes in the 1930s at a time when conservative Colombia disapproved of her work. The museum has acquired works from various periods in her career, covering a range of issues from prostitution to injustice. Her work, with that of Álvarez, illustrates the way in which Latina artists from decades ago paved the way for modern artists. Check out the show for two of the most badass Latinas in art history.
