Weird Barrio

Time: Sept. 20, 2024, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Location: La Casita, 109 Otisco Street

Manuel Matías (Syracuse-based Puerto Rican artist)

WEIRD Barrio depicts the Latino barrio experience in intricate detail. At its core, it is a testament to the power of storytelling and visual representation in shaping collective identity and fostering a sense of belonging within marginalized communities. By intricately depicting familiar settings, Westside neighborhood streets, community buildings, home environments, and conceptual representations of a unique and distinctive character, Matías invites viewers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of life in the barrios, capturing the essence of kinship and cultural pride that define these neighborhoods.

This project actively engaged with local youth through a series of summer artmaking workshops facilitated by Matías. Some of these pieces created by children at La Casita and at the Everson Museum, will also be part of the show.

“The Westside reminds me a lot about the barrios where I grew up, between Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, and the Lower East Side in New York City,” said Manuel Matías. “I love working in miniature scale and seeing how something so tiny can have such a huge impact, like our barrios and our children. I want them to know how much they are valued and how unique and beautiful they are.”

This festive neighborhood celebration includes a walking tour and artist talk by Matías, live music from Grupo Pagán, and a buffet of authentic Caribbean cuisine.

Additional support for the WEIRD Barrio youth summer workshops at La Casita comes from the Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation.

WEIRD Barrio will be on view through April 2025.