Opening reception for The Invisible Nation : a solo exhibition by Victor Cartagena March 7, 2008

An evocative large-scale installation by Salvadorian artist, Victor Cartagena. The exhibition will include sculptural works, video and sound installations, as well as a public digital mural, which will be displayed at our Bryant Street billboard.

*wheelchair accessible


Exhibition Dates: Friday March 7th – Friday May 16th
Gallery Hours: Tue. – Sat. 12 – 6 p.m
Artist Talk: Saturday, April 26 2:00 p.m.
A conversation with Victor Cartagena and Roberto Varea, Director Teatro Jornaleros, SFSU.

Galería de la Raza presents The Invisible Nation, a multimedia solo exhibition exploring the spiritual, dramatic, and deeply human dimensions of migration. Cartagena’s installation will be based on video and photographic portraits of immigrant residents, as well as 1970 and 80’s photos from Latin American archives that the artist has collected over the years. The installation will explore the evocative power of the emblematic black and white passport photos frequently
used in Latin America to identify individuals in official documents and obituaries.

Through both subtle and blatant avenues, The Invisible Nation responds to the unresolved discussion on immigration policy and to the rising tide of an anti- immigrant sentiment across the country. Historically, socially engaged art has regularly been a galvanizing force within the Latino community. Using a variety of approaches, we will provide an engaging context to expand this necessary public discourse on immigration. Cartagena’s installation and public
art components will address the complexity of the subject through a compelling artistic and visual experience that can spark an open discussion of this topic among the general public.
The Invisible Nation is part of PICTURING IMMIGRATION, a series of exhibitions and public events examining immigration from Latino perspectives. The series has been funded by the Phyllis C. Wattis Foundation and the San Francisco Arts Commission.

Official Website: http://www.galeriadelaraza.org