Latinx Art Book Fair Launches at New York University

La Feria Print Media Art Fair Showcases Latinx Artists and Scholars

Carlos and Fernando Estrada-Lopez, social workers in Los Angeles, appear as haloed saints in Gabriel García Román’s Queer Icons, surrounded by messages in Spanish and English reflecting their bicultural identity. This artwork, along with pieces from Roman’s photogravure series, will be featured at the inaugural La Feria print media art fair organized by The Latinx Project at New York University (NYU) on September 21.

The event aims to make art more accessible to Latinx artists by providing a platform for over 30 artists and scholars to showcase their work. Arlene Dávila, the founding director of The Latinx Project, emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for artists who are often excluded from traditional gallery spaces due to financial barriers.

Latinx artists have historically been marginalized in the art world, a problem that organizations like The Latinx Project are working to address. Despite efforts to increase representation, Latinos continue to be underrepresented in museums and galleries, highlighting the ongoing need for initiatives like La Feria.

This art fair is not the first event organized by NYU to celebrate Latinx culture. The university previously hosted a Latin American Book Fair in the late 1980s and early ’90s. La Feria stands out for its inclusivity, with participating artists selected through an open call and no participation fees required.

Among the artists featured at the fair is Ricky Flores, a Puerto Rican photographer from the South Bronx, and Destiny Mata, a Chicano photographer documenting the punk scene in New York City. Nicoletta Daríta de la Brown, a Panamanian-American visual artist, will also showcase their work, including pieces that explore themes of love, healing, and cultural identity.

In addition to art displays, La Feria will feature a range of scholarly publications on Latinx culture, history, and politics. These books cover topics such as race, border militarization, and queer identity, offering a comprehensive look at the diverse experiences within the Latinx community.

According to Gabriel Magraner, associate director of The Latinx Project, the fair will provide a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between academic scholarship and artistic expression, fostering dialogue and collaboration within the Latinx community.