‘Aquí/Allá’ connects us through time, place, resistance and culture

As long as I’ve been a DJ in this city, the Walker’s Point Center for the Arts (WPCA) has supported and continues to showcase the work of underrepresented artists from Milwaukee and around the world. My wife and I got a chance to view the current exhibit, “Aquí/Allá” and were immediately moved by the beauty, the messages of resistance and the deep culture on display.

In its 35-plus years of existence, the WPCA and its leaders have seen a dramatic change in the neighborhood. As some in the area work hard to maintain its roots and new development stretches the skyline higher, the WPCA continues to hold its ground as one of the most important and bold galleries in the Midwest.

Executive Director Marcela “Xela” Garcia, Membership Development Specialist Marz Ezeji and Visuals Communications Specialist Lucero Gallegos were on hand to guide us through all of the pieces in this stunning exhibit. Believe me when I say you may need a few tissues for this one. From African and indigenous roots to the destruction of Hurricane Maria, this showcase hits all of the senses.

I’m no art historian, nor do I pretend to be, but I can without question tell you as a first-generation Puerto Rican born in the States, this exhibition meant the world to me.

You can see the whole thing for yourself, along with other special installations, from 1-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. There will also be a special closing reception for “Aquí/Allá” at 6 p.m. next Friday, Feb. 17, featuring libations, and performances from José Rosa’s “Eso no es de Dios” Pentecostal Baddie and Milwaukee reggaetón duo Gego y Nony.

For more information on the current exhibit, additional programming and all the events coming up, visit the WPCA website.

https://issuu.com/wpca-milwaukee/docs/aquialla_catalog