The Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida offers more than its numerous exhibits in eleven different galleries to the Gainesville community on a day-to-day basis. On Thursday, September 14th from 6 to 9 p.m., the museum hosted Noche de Museo, an event featuring the the famous works of multiple Latin American artists. In addition to the highlighted pieces, the Harn offered tours, refreshments and several activities for guests to enhance their experience. With free admission, taquitos, music and a photo booth, visitors could not go wrong with the plentiful activities available at the Harn.
Noche de Museo presented famous artists such as Rufino Tamayo, Fernando Botero and Norma Baez. Tamaro’s "Rider of the Apocalypse (from Apocalypse de Saint Jean)” was one of the most popular attractions as visitors continuously visited the piece throughout the evening. Many Latin American painters from the 20th century are known for their portrayal of abstract objects and images through their art, known as Surrealism and Cubism. Attendees gained insight on these distinct styles in comparison to the main collections at the Harn typically dedicated to contemporary and modern art.
Art History minor Kennedy Smith shared her interest and appreciation for Noche de Museo while at the event. “I love taking the time out of my week or month to stop by the Harn and see its newest exhibits,” she stated. “Museo de Noche was really fascinating because it showed me about a unique culture that I was not very familiar with.” As a member at the Harn, Smith takes advantage of the museum’s monthly events and its exclusive amenities.
The event also incorporated music, an extremely defining component of Latin American culture. Tropix, a Latin American band, performed at the Harn from 8 to 9 p.m. for guests to enjoy. The band’s founder, Gilberto dePaz, has been performing music in the Gainesville region for over 30 years. Gilberto's daughter, Laura dePaz Cabrera, and lead vocalist of Tropix, provided interesting information regarding the band’s ethnic background and their stylistic choices.
Originally from Puerto Rico, Gilberto and his wife both moved to Gainesville in the late 70s and met while attending the University of Florida. “With the influx of Latin Americans into the United States during the early part of the 20th century, Latinos began incorporating other forms of music into their own such as rock & roll and blues - which makes a lot of modern Latin music distinctly Latin but all the while accessible and recognizable to many other cultures,” Cabrera stated.
While Tropix’s main style emphasizes the use of heavy percussion, the band also integrates other instruments such as guitars and pianos to produce a rich and robust sound.
“Each country has its unique identifying rhythms, melodies and even instruments that help enrich what we know as "Latin" music,” Cambrera shared. “From salsa to cumbia, merengue to vallenato, and everything in between, the variety of what is considered "Latin" music is as diverse as are the Latino people.”
While Latin America is typically recognized for its rich cuisine options and captivating musical expression, Noche de Museo enabled visitors to appreciate the more artistic aspect of the dynamic culture.
Rosa Pillcurima, a Cultural Studies professor in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at UF, highlighted her favorite parts of Noche de Museo as they relate to her personal upbringing and traditions. Growing up in Ecuador, Pillcurima believes that there is always a connection tied through the different countries in Latin America because of the language and customs shared.
“I appreciate the fact that The Harn understands the value of using Latin American and diverse art to reach everybody,” Pillcurima shared. “This makes it more accessible for everyone. I believe that art breaks through language barriers by creating visual pictures to communicate universally.” Viewers create their own interpretation and understanding of another culture without the needed use of words.
Pillcurima was most attracted to the pieces of art featuring indigenous people of Latin America. In addition to its bold color techniques, “I love that art gives them a voice and a representation that is usually forgotten. It gives these people the opportunity to be seen and known.”
Students, faculty and community members enjoyed an interactive and entertaining event at the Harn Museum of Art while being exposed to a diverse culture. Along with its previous Frida Kahlo exhibit last year, The Harn continues to share distinct customs of people around the world with Gainesville attendees.
The Harn Museum hosts monthly events similar to Noche de Museo, known as “Museum Nights”, where guests observe varying featured artists and are able to engage in a number of other opportunities. The upcoming event is titled Art of Engineering and will occur on Thursday, October 12th.
For more information regarding Noche de Museo or the Harn Museum of Art, visit http://harn.ufl.edu/.
