Baruch College’s Latinx community celebrated their heritage through art at “Mocktails and Paint,” where students got to make their own Latin-inspired art, on Sept. 19.
Students were given various photographs of art from Latinx artists and were instructed to paint whatever these images inspired, resulting in vibrant, artful paintings.
Professor Miguel Trellis, who instructed the painting session, currently teaches Spanish One in the Department of Modern Languages and Comparative Literature at Baruch.
When reflecting on the presence of Latinx artists in the visual arts, he stated, “When we do well in the art world often times we don’t propel our heritage.”
“Overcoming adversity, in general, before we even get into art, is a matter of attitude and trying to keep a sense of humor,” said Trellis on the month’s theme, “Overcoming Adversity.”
He praised those of older generations for their ability to “talk about the challenges and the horrors they faced and try to make fun of it or in some way make it lighter.”
In regard to art, he emphasized the importance of being true to your roots despite socialization with “upper echelons of
society.”
He said that he hoped that at the event itself students would enjoy the creativity of paining and the Cuban music playing in the background.
“These kind of events are key because they are raising the bar of awareness amongst Baruch College students and showing visual art as another alternative — if we’re not all sound, if I can’t dance, if I’m not so rhythmically oriented, then the visual thing could be paradise,” Trellis said. “Creativity is a great recourse in every moment in life.”
Some of the faculty and students present followed this idea of creative expression.
“I came to this event because I feel it’s really important to support and celebrate diversity on campus… what I like here is that you have complete autonomy…I think because of that no one’s in this room looks the same, so it goes with the theme of celebrating diversity because everyone here is just so diverse,” said Harmony Osei, a Senior Academic Advisor in the Baruch College Honors Program.
“I love everyone who just celebrates who they are no matter where they came from, whether they speak the language or not, I just love people who are themselves,” she continued.
For some attendees, Latinx art is more than just a nice aesthetic — it’s a part of their cultural identity.
“Frida Kahlo is forever my favorite artist, because she was such a powerful painter, she painted her ideas and did whatever she wanted to express herself,” said Maria Velez, a student of Ecuadorian heritage.
Overall, “Mocktails and Paint” seemed to be a great success, with a mix of Hispanic and non-Hispanic students who came together to celebrate the art of Latin culture through their own creative expression.
“I see a lot of freedom of expression amongst the students here and I like the fact that voices are heard as well as thoughts are expressed,” said Latin American Student Organization Secretary Miguel Modesto.
