For the second year, the Biggs Museum of American Art and the Governor’s Advisory Council on Hispanic Affairs is giving the community a taste of Hispanic culture with an eyeful of artwork.
“Visions of Dignity” is a temporary exhibit featuring 40 works by 14 Mid-Atlantic artists. The artists identify themselves as Latin American or Latino, but are a diverse set, according to Charito Calvachi-Mateyko, chair of the GACHA Cultural Committee. As such, different facets of the Hispanic experience are on display.
“It is kind of fascinating to note that these individuals, culturally speaking, come from a very specific set of backgrounds, yet the way that they talk about those things artistically, visually, is very different,” said Curator Ryan Grover.
The pieces range from vibrant portraiture, to serene photography to bold examinations of religious beliefs.
Mateyko helped develop the initial exhibit last year, and said its association with a professional museum has helped it flourish and bring in more participants. She emphasized that the exhibit is something to see for the community as a whole — not just the Hispanic population.
“Sometimes the best way to spread the culture is through art. And sometimes visual art is the best way to convey what the culture looks like,” she said.
As for the theme, she said dignity is a major focus in Hispanic culture. They are proud of who they are, proud of their differences, she said, and they wanted to convey that to their own community and others.
“Every minority has had this thing about very hard times, and it’s so good to remind them sometimes that we all have dignity,” she said.
Last year’s exhibit displayed the pieces scattered among the museum’s permanent collection. Not so this year, according to Grover. This year’s more focused collection will be displayed together in the South Gallery on the museum’s first floor.
A complementary exhibition of contemporary works from Delaware private collections will be housed in the Sewell’s Studio for the duration of “Visions of Dignity.” The six paintings are rarely seen in public, and taken from the private collections of Norma Varisco de Garcia, Miguel Valazquez and Eli Ramos.
Displaying both exhibitions downstairs on the first floor is a new feel for the museum, which is in the process of expanding and taking over the entire building at 406 Federal St.
“We recognized with this 50% increase comes an added responsibility of displaying even more exhibitions that are generated through the community, and through the community interest,” Grover said.
Email Sarika Jagtiani at sarika.jagtiani@doverpost.com
