Each generation must out of relative obscurity discover
its mission, fulfill it, or betray it.
-- Frantz Fanon (1925-1961)
The artist, like the writer, has the obligation
to be of use; his painting must be a book that teaches; it must
serve to better the human condition; it must castigate evil and
exalt virtue.
-- Francisco Oller (1833-1917)
Oil paint, canvas, paper, pastels,
photographs, poetic images, symbols, and words-presented through
tearing, cutting, pasting, and collaging-are what brings me closer
to expressing these realities. It is a constant stimulus to aim
towards self-realization in objective and subjective correlation
with a people who are moving and evolving with the passion and convictions
that reflect their inner strength.
My commitment is to express significant concerns and content through
the investigation of aesthetic and formal practice. To search for
racial, cultural, social and political definitions rooted in and
erupting from a hostile environment is a necessity in my creative
process. To dig deep into the history of the colonized and the colonizers,
and to take back what is rightfully ours, is part of that process.
The multilayering of this process also expresses the complexity
of the reality of the Puerto Rican people. To be responsible and
responsive to a culture challenged by genocide is to make art that
serves progress and not reactionary forces; to take sides with the
oppressed and not with the oppressors; to deal not only with protest
but also with recuperation and regenerative healing; to take sides
with victory in affirming life and not embracing death.
In these series of paintings and prints, you will notice images
of children. Along with Taino petroglyghs of Boriquén, revolutionary
figures, images of saints and African orishas, sacred hearts, leaves,
Puerto Rican flags, and torn edges of the gritty urban-ghetto environment,
there are boys and girls running, jumping, and playing. There are
even images of myself when I was on and four years old, together
with photographs of my beloved mother. I can't help but realize
that my people's long and epochal history of heroism, patriotism,
and violence has always been dedicated to the future of our children.
This exhibition is testimony of the love and celebration of the
Puerto Rican people and their capacity to move forward, assert themselves,
and energize and enrich the present in their attempt to get rid
of the evil empire's epidemic and become a free and sovereign nation.
My art attempts to Rican/structure our reality so that we can confront
the evidence. My art is also an act of faith.
-- Juan Sánchez (1998)
EXHIBITION INSTRUCTION
The exhibition environment is divided into two spaces,
with thumbnails of the exhibits at the bottom of the screen. The
images and text play in the upper part as you click on any of the
images below. The text that accompany the images has been organized
sequentially. The narrative moves from the left to right as you
click the thumbnail in the order in which they have been arranged.
Use the horizontal slider at the bottom off the thumbnail section
to scroll to the end of the exhibition.
Lastly, to return to this page, just click the "back"
arrow/botton that appears on the display screen after clicking the
"back" thumbnail.
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