A stately mansion designed in the style of 15th century Italian architecture stands on the upper stretch of 16th St. NE in Washington D.C. A Mexican flag flies outside, marking the building as the Embassy’s artistic counterpart. The Cultural Institute of Mexico is a mecca of artistic diplomacy, uniting American and Mexican culture not through politics but through creative expression and community involvement.
“Mirrors: Contemporary Mexican Artists in the United States” opened to the public Sept. 14 and will remain open through Nov. 20. Complete with libations, live music and a smattering of D.C. art followers, internationals and artists, the event was a great success.
Apart from the 100 edgy works of art in multi-media presentations, the venue itself is a masterpiece to be appreciated. A grand foyer greets the visitor, and a formal staircase snakes its way up the central atrium to the fourth floor paralleled by a mural. This collaborative effort to exhibit the work of artists spanning from the U.S. to Puerto Rico fills two galleries in the institute.
Irma Sof?a Poter, a San Diego resident whose art studio is just minutes from the Mexican border in Tijuana, created the work “Family Portraits” as a tribute to her Mexican-American heritage. The entrance to the upper gallery is lined with picture frames, arranged to resemble a collection of family portraits in a home. Unique frames border different arrangements of cloth that represent women in Irma’s family. This work commemorates her specific female ancestors using fabric rather than faces. In each different frame, delicate folds in varied arrangements represent the vulva, a universal symbol of woman.
“Since I have such an ambiguous background, it’s important to establish my own identity-go back to where I’m from,” Poter explained. When asked what percentages of herself she considers Mexican and American, she said she always replies that she is 100 percent Mexican, 100 percent American and 200 percent human. Irma’s work in the exhibit explores her unique place in the fabric of cultural convergence, literally using fabric to convey her message.
“Mirrors” is a diverse show that serves to entertain and celebrate a movement that continues to thrive. The exhibit will not be closing anytime soon, so it presents the perfect opportunity for D.C. residents and visitors to enjoy something new. The Cultural Institute presents frequent events including concerts, staged readings and plays, all free to the public. It is a resource for anyone interested in branching out from the ordinary dinner and movie.
The Instituto Cultural de M?xico, (202) 728-1628, is located at 2829 Sixteenth St, Washington D.C.
