I
was in Chicago recently and I made time to visit the National Museum of Mexican
Art to see THE HOUSE ON MANGO STREET exhibit.
The exhibit included some photos of Sandra Cisneros and there was even a
cordon-off area with her old desk and typewriter, and an old street sign. (There actually is a Mango Street.) There were also a few photos that spoke of her
life and experience.
But
the real focus of the exhibit was the work of other artists interpreting
Cisneros' book. Picture taking was not
allowed inside the exhibit so I can only tell you about the amazing, creative,
colorful and vibrant interpretations from other artists -- some were paintings,
there was a mural and a 3D structure one couldn't miss. All very inspiring.
I
was able to take this one picture as I was going into the exhibit -- a quote of
limitless energy: "I can never have too much sky."
Here are some other photos of some street murals leading up to the museum. Unfortunately, it was raining but that only
adds to the beauty of them.
The
National Museum of Mexican Art also featured three other exhibits: Carmen Parra:
Suave Patria; Dos Experiencias, Una Identidad: Rene Arceo Prints; and Nuevas
Historias. There were more prints and
paintings; neon lights that spelled "Make Tacos Not War; skulls, dishes,
furniture. All beautiful in their own
way.
So
the next time you are in Chicago, add The National Museum of Mexican Art to
your list of places to visit -- you won't be disappointed.
To
visit the museum and learn more about their exhibits: http://nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org/
BOOK SUMMARY: THE HOUSE ON MANGO STREET is the
remarkable story of Esperanza Cordero. Told in a series of vignettes – sometimes
heartbreaking, sometimes deeply joyous – it is the story of a young Latina girl
growing up in Chicago, inventing for herself who and what she will become. This book is being taught in High Schools and
Universities around the world.
ABOUT
THE AUTHOR: Sandra Cisneros
has written several award-winning books and is the founder of two organizations
that serve writers: the Macondo Foundation and the Alfredo Cisneros del Moral
Foundation. She was awarded the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur
Fellowship, two National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships, and the Texas
Medal of the Arts. With more than six million copies sold and translated into
many languages, her novel THE HOUSE ON MANGO STREET has become a true
coming-of-age classic. To learn more about this legendary artist, visit her at
www.sandracisneros.com.
Comments