Anna Zorina Gallery is on the brink of unveiling a mesmerizing solo exhibition by Larissa De Jesús Negrón, “La Canción Verde.” In this showcase, Negrón embarks on a visual journey, one that intimately unfolds the past eight years of her life in New York. Her narrative interweaves with that of the Coqui tree frog, reminiscent of Doris Troutman Plenn’s children’s book, “La Canción Verde.” Together, they share a transformative story which includes leaving their homes in Puerto Rico to discover their voices in the urban bustle of New York City.
Negrón’s story is a tribute to the cherished fragments of her cultural heritage, lost among the chaos; the tight-knit community, the pristine beaches, and the respected traditions. With her latest works, Negrón seizes the opportunity to reconnect profoundly with her Puerto Rican roots, breathing life into her cultural memories.
Negrón paints a self-portrait which resonates with anyone who has ever left home in search of dreams and purpose. In her youthful zeal, she didn’t realize the magnitude of what she was leaving behind: the essence of who she was. For the past four months, she’s immersed herself in the beauty and richness of her own culture and history.
Inspired by the desire to inspire her family’s legacy, Negrón’s recent paintings dive deep into the essence of complexity of each individual’s identity. Her mother was her first muse, followed by her grandparents and her aunt. In portraying her family, she uncovered layers of identity underneath, showing that none of us is merely one thing.
The more she delved into her family’s past, the more Negrón became determined to explore her people’s history in greater depth. Her quest for new references led her to the discovery of individuals who loved Puerto Rico as deeply as she did. As she captures the multifaceted identities of her subjects, she finds herself uncovering rich, generational folklore.
In “La Canción Verde,” you’ll discover a fusion of artistry and historical appreciation. Negon pays homage to iconic figures such as botanical illustrator Agustin Stahl, the artistry of Francisco Oller, and Marisol Malaret, the first Caribbean Miss Universe. Each artwork becomes an integral piece in Puerto Rico’s history.
Through these expressions, Negrón aims to illuminate the various aspects of her culture, such as her community’s resourcefulness, servitude, and the aspirations and dreams that define her identity. While the Coqui eventually returns to the serene beauty of Puerto Rico, Negrón rediscovers the comfort of her hometown and finds enduring completeness through artistic expression.
“La Canción Verde” is a personal and collective journey which shows how art reconnects us to our roots, heritage and stories which define us. Negrón’s work is an exploration of identity and history that invites viewers to join her in rediscovering the beauty that lies in the details of our cultural stories. Don’t miss this exhibition that resonates with the hearts of those who have left the comfort of their homes to find themselves and, in the process, uncovered the wealth of their heritage. The exhibition will be running from October 19th through November 25th.
Discover more from Stay Up-to-Date on the Latest Art News with Gothamartnews.com
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
