CHICAGO, IL — The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture is excited to announce our new collaborative exhibition, Arte de La Borinqueña, with Writer and Creator, Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez, from March 2 – October 26, 2024.

The public opening will be held on March 2, 2024, from 10 am – 2 pm and will include a “Meet and Greet” with the award-winning graphic novelist and creator of the superhero La Borinqueña, Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez, from 11 AM – 1 PM.

Through the serialized comic medium, Miranda-Rodriguez has effectively emphasized the significance of narrating Puerto Rico’s history, addressing contemporary social and environmental issues, and celebrating the diverse Puerto Rican diaspora. La Borinqueña was launched in 2016 under Miranda-Rodriguez’s studio, Somos Arte, where he serves as Creative Director and is recognized for his philanthropic contributions. The story emerged during a critical period for the Puerto Rican people, marked by an economic crisis and natural disasters in the Caribbean. La Borinqueña has transcended fiction, evolving into a philanthropic superhero movement with a collection of graphic novels, a special benefit anthology with DC Comics titled Ricanstruction, and noteworthy partnerships with NRDC, Chocolate Cortés, and others.

“We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez for the Arte de La Borinqueña exhibition at our Museum, kicking off Women’s History Month. During our initial discussions, Edgardo shared that his inspiration stems from a tribute to the strength and resilience of Boricua women and our Afro and Indigenous ancestors. His narrative deeply resonated with me, given the rarity of depictions showcasing Puerto Ricans as an Afro-Puerto Rican Superheroine. We aspire for La Borinqueña to serve as a mirror for all our visitors, especially young Puerto Rican youth who don’t see themselves reflected as Superheroes or Superheroines in mainstream comics. We hope that those who encounter La Borinqueña will be inspired by her courage, compassion, and resilience,” said Billy Ocasio, President and CEO of the National Puerto Rican Museum.

“I am honored to have the opportunity of bringing Arte de La Borinqueña to Chicago’s National Puerto Rican Museum of Arts and Culture. This collection of original comic book artwork celebrates 8 years of independently publishing my superhero graphic novel series, La Borinqueña. It is also a celebration of my ongoing commitment to produce stories that engage audiences internationally about our collective Puerto Rican experience and heritage. The National Puerto Rican Museum embodies this as well as an institution committed to providing spaces to artists like myself of Puerto Rican heritage that push the boundaries of art, activism, and culture. I hope all that visit this exhibition walk away inspired to read my stories, learn about Puerto Rico, and recognize the innate superpower that we all have to make a difference in each other’s lives every day,” said Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez, Writer and Creator of La Borinqueña.

The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture offers free admission. For additional programming, including classes, workshops, and family programs, please check our online calendar of events.

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Tags: Arte de La Borinqueña, Chicago, Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez, Humboldt Park, The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture