PUBLIC ART: The African Presence in México

“The existence of Afro-Mexicans was officially affirmed in the 1990s when the Mexican government acknowledged Africa as Mexico’s “Third Root.” For nearly 500 years, the existence and contributions of African descendants in Mexico have been overlooked, although they have continued to contribute their cultural, musical, and culinary traditions to Mexican society through the present day. This groundbreaking exhibition provides an important opportunity to revisit and embrace the African legacy in Mexico and the Americas while creating significant occasions for cross-cultural dialogue, exchange and presentations for all age ranges and backgrounds. No exhibition has showcased the history, artistic expressions, and practices of Afro-Mexicans in such a broad scope as this one, which includes a comprehensive historical range of artwork including contemporary artistic expressions. The exhibition is organized by the National Museum of Mexican Art, Chicago.” The African Presence in México: From Yanga to the Present is on view at the California African American Museum (CAAM) in Los Angeles from January 31st – June 1, 2008.

(Image: Maximino Javier (b. 1950), Indecisive Chacmool / Chacmool Indeciso, 2002 oil on canvas / oleo sobre tela, Collection of Galeria Quetzalli)