Illustrating Spain in the US: the exhibition - last weekends opening

2801 16th St NW,Washington DC 20009

18 February, 2022

Description

Illustrating Spain in the US now transcends the comic pages into an exhibition at the Former Residence of the Ambassadors of Spain Illustrating Spain in the US is a project that aims at highlighting the presence and legacy of Spain in the US territory, from its help during the independence war to the heritage still existent. The project started as a series of comics created by Spanish artists in collaboration with history experts, but is now reshaping into a physical exhibition that will be available from mid-November until early March at the Former Residence of the Ambassadors of Spain. About Illustrating Spain in the US Comic artists and scholars help bring the United States closer to us to reflect on the legacy of Spain’s heritage over the centuries. Spain has been an essential seedbed in the substratum of American history and culture. This project aims at taking a better look at seven potential sides of the inspiring Spanish presence resulting in comic books of very diverse inspiration. The versatility of the comic allows many of the nuances of this living diaspora of Spanish men and women who were and still are twinned with the American experience to be represented. Michael Francis, Eduardo Garrigues, James Fernández, Luis Argeo, Lucía Cotarelo Esteban, Juan Pimentel, Estrella de Diego and Dolores Jiménez Blanco act as the interlocutors advising and guiding comic book creators and giving them clues to help them compose their illustrated cartoon plots. Illustrating Spain in the US is a creative dialogue that combines the graphic expressiveness of comics and their authors, with the inquisitive perspective of scholars who have written a series of complementary articles. Comic authors have built comic strips that feed on academic knowledge and demonstrate that Spain has been part of the American reality since long before the very foundation of the American country. This Spanish energy continues to be present in the imagination, talent and creativity that emanates from everything Spanish and so fascinates Americans. This energy is also found in the scientific thinking of the Spaniards who made the United States their second home while they made —and still continue to make— surprising advances. —Ana Merino, curator of Illustrating Spain in the US About the artists Sergio García achieves this with the lines of his expansive drawings, while looking at San Agustín, Las Misiones and the Camino Real, creating an amazing map, colored by Lola Moral. Rayco Pulido has imagined drawing Bernardo de Gálvez and has brought him back to everyone’s memory, focusing on the key role he played in the American War of Independence. Ana Penyas and Seisdedos share their passion and the plasticity of their lines shapes those unknown faces of the Spanish immigration that grew up as Spaniards with the nostalgia of an ocean that separated them from their origins. Anapurna reminds us of the strength of Hispanism with a comic book that evokes the poetics of the diaspora. Mireia Pérez immerses herself in the imagination of the brains of Spanish scientists who made great achievements on American soil and celebrates them. Carla Berrocal applauds the passionate soul of Spaniards in Hollywood. Max leads us through the surprising labyrinth of Spanish art in the United States, guided by a magpie and three cats that escaped from a Goya painting. In addition, Sonia Pulido will be in charge of opening the door to these perspectives with a front cover that contains all the experiences lived through the years and the future essence of the entrepreneurial illusion of the Spanish diaspora. About Ana Merino Ana Merino is an award winning-writer and a Professor at the University of Iowa. She has written extensive criticism on comics and graphic novels. She has two academic books, a monograph on Chris Ware and has curated five comic book exhibitions. Between 2001-2011 she was a Member of the ICAF (International Comic Arts Forum) Executive Committee; and between 2004 and 2014, Directors Board Founder Member at The Center for Cartoon Studies. Illustrating Spain in the US book is available for purchase here. ----- Important Information (please read carefully) Visitors will be allowed to enter and enjoy the exhibition during the selected date and time. A reservation on Eventbrite is mandatory, printed tickets are not required. Ticket holders will have access to the event while space is available. A reservation does not guarantee admission. Right of admission reserved. If you need special assistance, please contact us at [email protected] Additional Visitor Guidelines and Safety Measures This activity takes place indoors. All guests must be fully vaccinated and wear a mask during the visit. All safety COVID19 protocols will be followed. By registering, you are acknowledging that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists by attending this event on the premises of the Embassy of Spain. You and any family members and guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19. How to get there: The best way to arrive is by public transportation. The closest Metro station is Columbia Heights (Green and Yellow line). Limited metered and two-hour zoned parking is available in the surrounding neighborhoods. Public parking garage is available at DC USA Shopping Mall (Columbia Heights Metro Station). Subscribe to our Newsletter to never miss an event by SPAIN arts & culture in Washington DC. SPAIN arts & culture features the most cutting-edge works of international renowned Spanish artists in fields such as design, urban culture, architecture, visual arts, film, performing arts, literature and music. A series of exhibitions, conferences, showcases, and performances take place every year at the most prestigious American cultural institutions bringing a taste of all the creativity, history, and talent of Spanish artists to the American public.