American Latinos 1935-1945
“American Latinos 1935-1945”, is an immersive video installation and multi-media project, that presents more than 250 images of Hispanic-Americans, captured almost a century ago by some of the most influential photographers of the 20th century.
It premiered at Instituto Cervantes New York on May 16th, 2024.
All images courtesy of the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.
“American Latinos 1935-1945″ is the result of three years of research, reviewing over 30,000 images from the Library of Congress that were captured all over the United States by some of the most influential photographers in American history: Dorothea Lange, Jack Delano, Russell Lee, John Collier Jr., Marion Post Wolcott, Arthur Rothstein, Edwin Rosskam, and Marjory Collins—to name a few.
This itinerant project includes an immersive video installation, a lecture, and an exhibit of monumental prints.
Praise for “American Latinos 1935-1945”
“This is one of the first major projects to focus on the pictures of Latinos in this collection.”
Adam Silvia, Curator Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress.
“Alberto Ferreras has compiled more than 200 images, many never before published or rarely seen, documenting the visual history of American Latinos in this country from WPA photos held by the Library of Congress. Ferreras tells a powerful story, narrated by Olga Merediz. Grateful and honored I could see it this week. Go see it too!”
Brett Zongker, Chief of Media Relations, Library of Congress.
“Beautifully curated, written and narrated. A must see for those interested in American History”
Caridad de la Luz, Executive Director, Nuyorican Poets Cafe.
“A powerful immersive video installation. I will keep spreading the word, so this exhibit continues gaining momentum and telling more of our American Latino history.”
Yvette Peña, VP of Latino Audience Strategy AARP.
“Mexican cotton picker” by Dorothea Lange. California 1936.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress – Prints & Photographs Division
“Spanish American students” by John Collier Jr., New Mexico, 1943.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress – Prints & Photographs Division
“Spanish is the language spoken at the children’s homes” by John Collier Jr, New Mexico 1943.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress – Prints & Photographs Division
“Ox cart driver” by Jack Delano. Puerto Rico, 1943.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress – Prints & Photographs Division
Somos
“Somos” (We Are) is the first video installation commissioned by the National Museum of the American Latino. On its first week it inspired over 6 million dollars in donations for the museum.
“Somos” explores the diversity and complexity of the Latino identity in the United States, and is on display at the National Museum of American History, in the Molina Gallery, at 1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington DC.
“Somos” includes 150 portraits of US Latinos #shotoniphone.
“Somos” is a 15 minute video installation that explores the diversity and complexity of the Latino experience in the US. It was produced between 2019 and 2021, and it includes interviews with 19 Hispanic subjects that present different views on latino identity. The installation premiered on the opening of the Molina Family Gallery, on June 18, 2022, at the National Museum of American History in Washington DC.
The installation prompted a 5 million dollar donation by Walmart. Pepe Estrada, Director of Constituent Relations for the company wrote: “The gallery includes an eye-opening new project titled “Somos,” named for the Spanish verb “We are,” which captures the rich diversity of the Latinx experience, from unique immigration stories to the different races, identities and nationalities that make up the community.”
Praise for “Somos”
“As the Smithsonian builds the museum, it will launch its first physical presence through the Molina Family Latino Gallery at the National Museum of American History. The Smithsonian is also offering virtual resources, so that anyone from any location can access this celebration of Latinx history and culture. The gallery includes an eye-opening new project titled “Somos,” named for the Spanish verb “We are,” which captures the rich diversity of the Latinx experience, from unique immigration stories to the different races, identities and nationalities that make up the community. You can watch a preview here.”
Pepe Estrada, Director, Constituent Relations. Walmart.
