Late September saw a significant stir in the NFL world with the announcement that Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny would be the headline act for the Super Bowl LX halftime show. Recognized as one of the globe’s most-streamed artists, his selection sparked excitement among fans. However, it also drew criticism from conservatives, particularly regarding his Spanish-language performances and outspoken criticism of the current government. In a recent appearance on Saturday Night Live, Bad Bunny responded pointedly, reflecting the cultural clash prevalent in today’s U.S. political landscape.
As Puerto Rican Heritage Month approaches, an exhibition commemorating the island and its diaspora is set to open at Claire Oliver Gallery in New York City. Titled We AmeRícans and curated by Ruben Natal-San Miguel, the exhibition showcases the work of ten artists, highlighting “the history, resilience, and cultural contributions of the Puerto Rican community in New York City and beyond,” according to the gallery.
This exhibition employs a variety of mediums, including photography, painting, sculpture, printmaking, textiles, and mixed-media, to emphasize Puerto Rican identity and community. The title is inspired by Tato Laviera’s 1985 poem “AmeRícan,” which joyfully embodies cultural hybridity.
We AmeRícans features an intergenerational lineup of artists, showcasing the established works of Carlos Rolón, Carlos Betancourt, and Danielle de Jesus alongside fresh insights from emerging talents like Felix Plaza, Erica Morales, and Elsa María Meléndez.
Natal-San Miguel’s impressive photography portfolio highlights his series Puerto Rico: Paradise Ruined, Its Aftermath, capturing the devastation of homes and businesses following Hurricane Maria in 2017. The hurricane left many with no choice but to relocate, with estimates suggesting that between 114,000 and 213,000 Puerto Ricans have moved to the U.S. mainland each year post-storm.
The exhibition embraces diverse mediums to convey cross-cultural experiences. De Jesus intricately depicts a house facade adorned with a Puerto Rican flag on two U.S. one-dollar bills. Meléndez utilizes textiles to create embroidered portraits and sculptural elements from various patterned fabrics. Betancourt crafts assemblages, sculptures, and expansive print installations from found objects.
“This exhibition serves as both a celebration and a preservation of the creativity, strength, and impact of Puerto Rican artists across generations,” explains Natal-San Miguel. “Through their artwork, we can witness not only individual stories but also the broader narrative of migration, labor, resilience, and cultural pride.”
We AmeRícans launches in Harlem on November 5 and will run until January 3. For more information, visit the Claire Oliver Gallery website. You may also find interest in the portraits by artist Adrián Viajero Román, which reflect on the Puerto Rican diasporic experience.
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