EL VIAJE: the journey

JOIN US FOR THE OPENING RECEPTION: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2009, 6-10PM.

It is undeniable that the neighborhoods of Philadelphia are recognized for their diverse communities and cultural progress. Furthermore, from one block to the next, South Philly is privy to this cultural surplus as more and more, the faces change and ethnic pride emerges.

"EL Viaje" (The Journey) brought together the emerging Mexican community in South Philadelphia to give them a voice to tell their stories. These women, men, and children communicated their similar struggles, sacrifices, triumphs, and realities as immigrants making the journey to the United States. Through open dialogue, writings, paintings, printmaking, and video, these manifestos capture the many pressing issues relating to assimilation, maintaining identity and culture of origin, and the search for opportunity. The shared hopes of "El Viaje" and its participants is the awareness in Philadelphia of the real struggles of this rising immigrant community as well as to give them the voice and a space to tell their stories.

During August, an open invitation was extended to Mexican families of South Philadelphia to simply share their struggles and accomplishments and connect with each other through conversation. They participated in a 10-12 art workshop series sponsored by the Leeway Foundation and conducted by lead artist Nora Hiriart Litz along with a team of artists in her studio space (Midwives Gallery). The outcome of the workshop are artworks created by entire families that will one day be artifacts for these families as they continue to put roots down and settle. In addition, "El Viaje" (The Journey) was documented and contains the authentic experiences as told by these families on video, which can be viewed at the opening.

Philadelphia, PA. On Friday, November 13, 2009 The Midwives Collective and Gallery will host the opening for "El Viaje" (The Journey) located at 1241 Carpenter Street in beloved South Philadelphia from 6 P.M till 10 P.M. The Gallery will be open Saturdays from 12 P.M. till 5 P.M. or by appointment only (in which, contact themwc@gmail.com. There is no admission fee to enjoy this show.

Biography- Nora Hiriart Litz
Nora Hiriart Litz is a visual artist/ printmaker that lives and works in South Philadelphia. Her relationship with the Mexican community is intimate and continuous. She identifies with the Mexican community here not just by cultural origin but they share the similar position of being strangers in this land. She shares with them the communication problems and cultural barriers experienced by this community. Who she is plays an important role in El Viaje project because she can connect to the community as a Mexican, a woman, a mother and an immigrant placed in the same emotional position as these new immigrant families. This experience gives her the perspective of knowing what can be gained and lost through the cultural divide that immigration generates.