Sorianos donated to SAAM

This summer two major paintings by Cuban master Rafael Soriano were given to the Smithsonian American Art Museum for its permanent collection. These two works, Un Lugar Distante (A Distant Place) (1972) and Candor de la Alborada (Candor of Dawn) (1994), represent significant moments in Soriano’s artistic production. 

“Rafael Soriano has been called one of the major Latin American artists of his generation, and one of the premier painters of Cuba,” said Milagros Soriano, who donated the celebrated canvases to the Smithsonian American Art Museum. “So it was fitting that his artwork be represented at our country’s leading art institution.” 

“These important paintings by Rafael Soriano are excellent additions to the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s collection,” said Dr. E. Carmen Ramos, curator of Latino art at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. “While the museum’s collection includes important works by Cuban American artists—especially those that were educated in the United States like Ana Mendieta and Maria Brito—these Soriano acquisitions allow us to capture the perspective of the first generation of Cuban exiles who arrived as adults with significant careers in Cuba already under their belt.” 

 Read the entire article in ArtDaily.org here.

Joe Kubert

"Joe Kubert, 85, the influential comic book artist and writer whose rugged, hyper-masculine artwork included Tarzan, the flying super-hero Hawkman, the World War II infantryman Sgt. Rock and graphic novels about the Bosnian war and the Holocaust, died on Aug. 12 at a hospital in Morristown, N.J. The cause of death was multiple myeloma."

New tourist attraction is Spain

(Via) Remember the world's worst art restoration project story that I mentioned a few days ago?

The 80-year-old Spanish woman responsible for what some are calling history's worst restoration of a work of art spoke out in the media on Wednesday to defend her actions.

Now apparently, the church where this "restoration" took place has become a tourist attraction!

In 5,000 years...

Neil Armstrong died today at age 82.

I remember as a kid in Brooklyn, staying up late one summer night in 1969 to watch two Earthmen land on the moon. Somehow I knew that this event would be the one notable historical footnote of the 20th century when Earth's history is taught 5,000 years from now.

I also think that Neil Armstrong, the quiet, humble, strong man who became the first human to take a step on another world, will also be the only name taught in schools a few thousand years from now when the 20th century is discussed.

Mass murderers from the Dark side like Hitler, Stalin and Mao won't even make a blip in history when hundreds of centuries must be highlighted by small asterisks; neither will their opposites on the good side, Roosevelt, Churchill, Reagan, Ghandi...

When Earth children of the year 7012 are asked what do they know about the 20th century, the only answer will be one name, Neil Armstrong and one date when man landed and walked on the moon, Sunday, July 20, 1969.

The Latin American Collective Project

Pencil this in and if you want to know the history, oddity and meaning of the terms "Hispanic" and "Latino", then come to the lecture as well...

Wanna contribute to this piece?

Below are several images showing the process for the current piece that I am doing, this time doing a trompe l'oeil of a comic book panel featuring Heckle and Jeckle.

In the final image, you can see the current state of the work, which now has two blank text balloons where the dialogue between the two characters will take place. One is jumping up in joy, his turban flying off his head (changed from a top hat in the original comic book). He is saying something to the other guy, who in turns responds.

And here's where I need your collaboration and help...

I'd like suggestions for what Heckle and Jeckle are talking about, discussing or whatever. It can be something funny, something contemporary, whatever... just appropriate to the visual scene. Leave you suggestions in the comments section or email them to me.

Winning suggestion will get a free, one of a kind signed print of the above work.

Job in the Arts

The Smithsonian is looking to fill the position of Staff Assistant for the Smithsonian Latino Center.  

This is a rare opportunity to join the team that works hard at ensuring that Latino culture, achievement and contributions are celebrated and recognized nationwide.  

They are looking for an individual to assist the Director and can serve as the point of contact to the public, the Smithsonian National Latino Board, and Hispanic-serving organizations; provide administrative support to the staff, and help advance the Center’s initiatives and educational/public programs.      

 

**NOTE:  Applicants must have the ability to speak and write in English and Spanish in order to assist with translation of materials.

 

GS 0301 05 or 07 DEU (open to all U.S Citizens or U.S Nationals):     

http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/324708600

 

GS 0301 05 or 07 MPA (open to current or former Federal employees, peoples with disabilities, former Peace Corps volunteers, certain military spouses, veterans):

http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/324708400