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EXHIBITION: MEXICANIDAD: OUR PAST IS PRESENT
Mexicanidad Gallery (East Wing)
Mexicanidad:Our Past Is Present is an exhibition that historically traces some of the fundamental elements of the Mexican culture – a culture that has its roots in the ancient indigenous cultures that existed in Mesoamerica and then fused with the Spanish culture after their arrival in 1519. Mexicanidad is a complex and dynamic story of myths and faith, resistance and assimilation, apprenticeship and appropriation. Only by surveying the Mexican culture from this historic vantage point can one begin to understand how and why it continues to be a culture sin fronteras – without borders.
This exhibition chronologically flows in five sections:
The Mexico Pre-Cuauhtémoc section recognizes our ancient indigenous roots (1500 B.C.E. -1521 C.E.) and the elements we have inherited from them. Cuauhtémoc, the last Aztec emperor, valiantly fought the Spanish until his defeat in 1521, and is remembered as a hero for his courageous defense and noble actions. The Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum advocates the use of the term Pre-Cuauhtémoc as a more accurate way to describe the indigenous eras before the European encounter.
The Colonial Mexico section displays a few of the more important results of the Spanish arrival and rule from 1519 to 1810.
The Independence to Revolution section surveys the hundred-ten years of struggle when Mexicans fought Spain (1810-1821), the United States (1846-1848), France (1862-1864), and themselves (1910-1920), to ultimately forge this national self-identity known as Mexicanidad.
The Post-Mexican Revolution to Present-day Mexico section examines the social and artistic results of the revolution along with some events in the 20th century that have greatly impacted on the popular culture.
The Mexican Experience in the U.S. section illustrates the variety of ways in which the Mexican culture has manifested itself in rural and urban communities across the United States . Whether immigrant or first generation, the Mexican achievements and contributions in this country have too often been ignored.
MEXICANS CHICAGO: Huellas Fotograficas
Through April 2011, West Wing Gallery
This exhibition reflects 100 years of Mexican immigration in Chicago through photo essays-- individual photographs curated by Linda Tortolero and Rita Jirsak, photo essays designed by Angelina Villanueva. This exhibition's tree major themes are depicted through photo essays that reflect: the Road to Chicago, Family Life and Community. This exhibition will also travel throughout the Midwest stopping at schools, libraries, and other cultural organizations, beginning in the fall of 2005.
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