The Duke Gallery at the Community Arts Center (CAC) in Wallingford, PA, is presenting the exhibition “Confluencia Visual: Art of the Philly Boricuas” from January 31 through March 6. Curated by Johnny Irizarry, the show brings together prominent Puerto Rican artists from Philadelphia.
The exhibition showcases works across a wide range of media: painting, textiles, graphite drawings on cardboard, realistic and abstract pieces, ceramics, photography, and installations. The themes explore Puerto Rican identity from multiple angles: references to the Young Lords, scenes from the Island’s landscape, community celebrations, portraits of loved ones, and reflections on the diaspora. The result is a vibrant mosaic of community art.
Artist Daniel de Jesús shared his thoughts on Facebook about participating in the exhibition:
“I feel honored to be part of Confluencia: Visual Art of the Philly Boricua, an exhibition celebrating the convergence, memory, and Puerto Rican presence in Philadelphia; how stories overlap, resist being erased, and continue speaking through image, body, and symbol. Carefully curated by Johnny Irizarry, this exhibition brings together voices that feel deeply rooted and urgently alive.”
For her part, artist Linda Fernández emphasized the importance of the exhibition organized in connection with the 250th anniversary of the United States:
“It is so important to represent our culture, history, and visions for the future.”
The Curator
Johnny Irizarry—visual artist, cultural worker, and educator—has spent decades collaborating with racialized communities and promoting Puerto Rican heritage. He has led institutions such as The Lighthouse, Taller Puertorriqueño, and the Casa Latina at the University of Pennsylvania.
Participating Artists
Michelle Angela Ortiz, Priscilla Bell Lamberty, Scout Cartagena, Betsy Casañas, Daniel de Jesús, Linda Fernández, Natalie Flor Negrón, Juan Gómez, Gilberto González, Luis González, Jomil Irizarry, Johnny Irizarry, Virginia Lemus Sánchez, LuzSelenia Loeb, Damani López, Roberto Lugo, Emilio Maldonado, Kalena Marshall García, Marangeli Mejía-Rabell, Katsi Miranda-Lozada, José Ortiz-Pagán, Danny Polanco, Eduardo Ramírez, Hernán Rivera, Alex Rivera, Marilyn Rodríguez, Raúl Romero, LuzSelenia Salas, Edna Santiago, Gerald Silva, Suave, Taina Sisters, Danny Torres, Solmaira Valerio, Vanessa Vega, Armando Veve, Ayiana Viviana, Nitza Walesca, and Richie Wilde López.
Reception
The official reception for the exhibition will be held on February 15, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Duke Gallery of the Community Arts Center, 414 Plush Mills Road, Wallingford, PA. Admission is free.