List of cultural ‘plays’ for Hispanic Heritage Month

Connecting the people and art of Latin America and the Caribbean is a passion for Alicia Maria Houtrouw, senior project manager for Latin American initiatives at the Getty Research Institute. Through his work, he enjoys helping people engage in the study of art and culture, including managing three research projects: the Florentine Codex, an extremely important document in our pre-colonial understanding of Indigenous Mexico ; Pre-Hispanic Art Provenance, in which he investigates pre-Hispanic art materials and artifacts in the 20th century.^th century; and Latin America and Latinx Art, which broadens the focus and interpretation of this region to encourage new narratives and understandings.

“What started as a connection to my heritage and my language became a strong curiosity, and I went on to pursue an education at UCLA,” said Houtrouw, a proud student of California’s public education program. – including a master’s from UCLA in Latin American studies. “UCLA paved the way for my work at the Getty.”

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we asked Houtrouw – in his own words – to list a cultural “play” – emphasis play – for the Bruin community.

“When I think about connecting people to the art of Latin America and the Caribbean, it’s like creating a mixtape of my favorite songs to share. The opportunity to open up something new to someone is very rewarding,” he said.

---

Digital Florentine Codex

The Digital Florentine Codex is a gateway to one of the most fascinating manuscripts ever created. Completed in 1577 by the Franciscan monk Bernardino de Sahagún and a group of Nahua elders, writers and artists, this encyclopedic codex is considered the most reliable window into the Mexica culture, the Aztec Empire and the conquest Mexico. With this updated digital edition, you can now explore its rich content like never before – texts and images are fully searchable, and allow you to access history with a simple search. Jump in and see for yourself!

Bob Baker Marionette Theater

What if I told you there was a place you could visit right here in LA that would renew your faith in humanity?

Founded 60 years ago and stronger than ever in its classic charm, inspiring creativity and commitment to joy, the happiest place in Los Angeles is the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. After seeing Bob Baker’s amazing library and books, I first started volunteering in 2017. I love it so much that I joined the board of directors in 2022 and am now the secretary of the board.

If you get a chance, check out the show “¡FIESTA!,” which is “a love letter to Latin America, told by cartoons.”

PST: Art + Science Collide

Enjoy these highlights from the country’s biggest arts event:

• See “Sangre de Nopal/Blood of Nopal” at the Fowler Museum on campus. This fascinating exhibition, which runs until January 12, 2025, is about the rare tiny cochineal insect, which has long been the main source of the pink-red dye in from pre-Hispanic times. More than just a pigment, it continues to hold spiritual, medicinal and artistic significance.

• “We Live in Painting: The Nature of Color in Mesoamerican Art” at LACMA brilliantly explores the technical and cultural significance of Mesoamerica’s five primary colors: white, black, red, blue-green, and yellow. The exhibition takes a multidisciplinary approach, showcasing stunning works of art both ancient and modern in dialogue with the raw materials and traditional processes that were used to create them – some techniques lasting hundreds of years. years and continues to be used today. The exhibition continues until September 1, 2025.
• Although I have not seen “Future Ideas: Native Art, Fashion, Technology” at the Autry Museum of the American West, which runs through June 21, 2026, or “ARTEÔNICA: Art, Science, and Technology in Latin America Today” at the Museum of Latin American Artist in Long Beach though, I’m really looking forward to them as they will provide new ideas and highlight creative avenues! “ARTEÔNICA” can be seen until February 23, 2025.

Day of the Dead

Dia de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever is a magical, powerful event that is part of an ancient Mexican tradition. Wander acres of beautifully crafted altars, candles, marigolds, charms. manual laborsugar skulls and evidence of centuries of enduring pre-Columbian culture. It is a wonderful celebration of life and a moment to reconnect with the spirits of the dead. Go on the night of October 26 for jaw-dropping costumes, as you’re sure to see multiple human versions of José Guadalupe Posada’s famous high-profile skeletons, la Catrina and el Catrin.

Día de los Muertos celebration on Nov. 2 in Self Help Graphics stands out because of its deep connection with the Chicanx / Latinx culture, its 50-year history in LA and its unique combination of traditional art forms – such as printmaking – with techniques of contemporary urban art. . SHG festivals emphasize community participation and artistic expression, offering bilingual, family-friendly activities such as torn paper and build an altar.

Indigenous People’s Day

I know it’s already past but mark your calendars for next year’s Indigenous People’s Day Festival at the Getty Center. This year’s event had a strong focus on flowers and plants. There’s always a fun mix of traditional and contemporary activities celebrating Southern California’s Native American cultures – from art workshops to poetry and theater, there’s something for everyone.