The Public Square at the IHC and the National Museum of Mexican Art co-host a city-wide Café Society event in conjunction with the "Frida’s Contemporaries" exhibition.
CHICAGO – What is the difference between popularizing significant historical figures and exploiting their message and image for corporate profit or political gain?Is their legacy static or constantly evolving? Who should have the power to voice their message? Do such icons "belong" to particular political parties, racial and ethnic groups, or nations? These questions will be explored at The Public Square at the Illinois Humanities Council’s next city-wide Café Society.
Join us on Saturday, August 18th from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for a special afternoon at Women Artists of Modern Mexico: Frida’s Contemporaries at the National Museum of Mexican Art (1852 W. 19th St., Chicago). After viewing the exhibition, Sylvia Escárcega, Assistant Professor of Latin American and Latino Studies at DePaul University, will lecture on the re-invention and commercialization of progressive thinkers from Frida Kahlo to Che Guevara. Following the presentation, attendees will participate in small, facilitated discussions to share reflections on the exhibit and the cultural and personal meanings of misappropriation.
This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are recommended and can be made by e-mailing events@prairie.org or calling 312.422.5580.
More about "Frida’s Contemporaries"
This exhibition showcases the artistic works of 26 women who have produced art since the beginning of the 20th century. This critically acclaimed collection encompasses the inspiring and stunning artwork of both popular and little-known painters, photographers, sculptors and muralists described as “revolutionary firebrands” and “compellingly feminine.” Included are works by Frida Kahlo, Lola Álvarez Bravo, Rosario Cabrera, Aurora Reyes, Maria Izquierdo, Andrea Gomez, Olga Costa and Mariana Yampolsky.
ABOUT THE PUBLIC SQUARE AT THE IHC
The Public Square at the IHC fosters debate, dialogue, and exchange of ideas about cultural, social, and political issues with an emphasis on social justice. Programs promote participatory democracy by creating space for public conversations.
Café Society is a project designed to foster a more robust civil society, more cohesive and interactive communities, greater media literacy and a more informed and engaged citizenry through weekly coffee shop conversations about contemporary social issues. Current media reports (along with ample doses of caffeine) serve as stimulants for the conversations.
For more information about The Public Square at the IHC, please visit www.thepublicsquare.org.
The Illinois Humanities Council is an educational organization dedicated to fostering a culture in which the humanities are a vital part of the lives of individuals and communities. Through its programs and grants, the IHC promotes greater understanding of, appreciation for, and involvement in the humanities by all Illinoisans, regardless of their economic resources, cultural background, or geographic location. Organized as a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities in 1973, the IHC is now a private nonprofit (501 [c] 3) organization that is funded by contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations; by the Illinois General Assembly; and by the NEH.
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