The University of California, Riverside’s California Museum of Photography is hosting an exhibit on contemporary Mexican photography.
At first glance, the museum contains many eclectic pieces of art. However, taking a closer look can enhance the understanding of Latin American history.
The “Mundos Alternos” exhibit is part of the Getty Initiative, Pacific Standard Time in Latin America Los Angeles (PST LALA). There are more than 70 museums participating in the exhibit.
Tour guide and UCR student Vaina del Villar, sophomore sociology major, explained how the museum added its own twist to the exhibit.
“The Getty wants the museums participating to show the contribution that Latin American people have had in society today,” Villar said. “What we decided to do is to take that theme but also pair it with science- fiction.”
CMP and UCR have the most comprehensive collection of photography in the western half of the United States. This massive photography collection contains photographic arts, history and technology.
The museum is split up into different themed rooms, such as time travel.
“The artists are showing events that happened back in time, obviously having to do with Latin American people,” Villar said. “They are allowing the public to make their own opinions on how history happened.”
The art and photography pieces can be from UCR undergraduates, graduates or local artists.
Abel Murillo, senior English major and tour guide at UCR, explained why his favorite piece was “Alien Toy” by Rubén Ortiz Torres.
“It is this border patrol car that is broken down and dissembled to form an ‘alien escape pod.’ It’s inspired by low-rider culture. It’s how a Mexican is interpreting this disembodiment of an oppressive system,” Murillo said.
Murillo said the most popular piece is “Organic Arches (Time Traveler)” by Chico Macmurtrie because it gives the museum life as it resembles a living organism.
The off-campus institution in downtown Riverside in the ARTSblock and is an extension of UCR’s College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.
The museum is open from Tuesday — Saturday from 12 – 5 p.m..
