Eye Level Exhibition Opening with live music from Ida y Vuelta

Artworks by Andrea Perales and Jose Resendiz. Curated by JGV/WAR.

“Eye Level” runs concurrently with Hispanic Heritage Month; September 15 to October 15. In 1968 the United States Senate and House passed Public Law 90-498 granting power to the U.S. President to annually proclaim Hispanic Heritage Week. In its resolution, the law calls “especially [on] the educational community to observe such a week with appropriate ceremonies.” Today, more than ever, the educational community confronts the question of “appropriate ceremonies” as it faces constrained budgets, limited resources, and unresolved questions with the State. These proclamations, at times at odds with the rhythm of state policies, provoke jarring ceremonies and rather than proclaiming pride, hinder the visibility of Latinxs. The institutionalization of these ceremonies confines definitions into categories that are usurped, observed, and policed.

In observation of these “ceremonies” the exhibition “Eye Level” brings forth two artists who grapple with the conditions of visibility, material production, and the significance attached to what it means to “proclaim.” To meet us at eye level, they present us with missing or fading history, recharging these objects with new interpretations, highlighting histories that go by unobserved.

This gallery exhibition provides roots for a four-week long program at Hairpin Arts Center featuring exclusively latino/a/x artists. The exhibit can be observed during any program or by appointment. Join us for free workshops, discussions, and performances. All events are free to the public – and all donations made at the door or online will go to the artists involved!

See the full line-up at www.hairpinartscenter.org!

Ida y Vuelta

Ida y Vuelta’s presentations come from a long tradition of Mexican folk music called Son Jarocho. The genre is a fusion of African, Spanish and Indigenous music and poetry. Ida y Vuelta’s instrumentation is native to the Veracruz region and includes jaranas (8 string small guitars), requinto (lead 4 string guitar), leona (acoustic bass), zapateado (percussive foot tapping) and they also incorporate the cajón (wood peruvian box) and cajita (small peruvian box) for reinforcements. Ida y Vuelta plays traditional “sones” which some date back over 300 years as well as their own arrangements and original tunes. They respectfully perform this music and aspire to make known its rich historical and musical value, specifically here in the U.S.

Official Website

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Tags: Andrea Perales, Chicago, Eye Level, Hairpin arts center, Ida y Vuelta, JGV/WAR, Jose Resendiz, Logan Square