Event: “Deudos / Death Debt: The Art of Eduardo Lalo.” Exhibition of works by Puerto Rican photographer Eduardo Lalo.
When: Regular library hours through Wednesday, January 31, 2018.
Where: Second floor gallery, Benson Latin American Collection, SRH 1.108.
Background: The Benson Latin American Collection is pleased to celebrated the opening of Deudos / Death Debt: The Art of Eduardo Lalo, an exhibition of black-and-white photographs by the acclaimed Puerto Rican writer and visual artist Eduardo Lalo. This event includes a panel discussion with remarks by the artist at 4:00 p.m. followed by a reception at 5:00.
Lalo's photographs illustrate the increasing vulnerabilities and anxieties of Puerto Ricans affected by the Commonwealth's deepening debt crisis. Now, in the wake of Hurricane Maria's devastation, this exhibition takes on even more urgency. Deudos / Death Debt not only exhibits a topical selection of Lalo’s distinctively trenchant visual work and graphics. It also opens a unique window that makes fully visible the ruinous economic, political, and social dispossession that Puerto Ricans continue to suffer at this crucial moment. A selection of Lalo's drawings and published works will also be on display.
During the panel discussion, Puerto Rican scholars will share some of their research and impressions to help frame the public’s understanding of how Lalo’s graphic and literary work directly or indirectly addresses Puerto Rico’s continuing colonial dilemma and its exacerbations.
• Jossianna Arroyo-Martínez, UT Spanish and Portuguese, will address Lalo’s documentaries screened at the exhibit.
• César A. Salgado, UT Spanish and Portuguese, will review how Lalo’s public debate columns and conferences influence his selection of photographic images for Deudos.
• Gregory Pappas, Texas A&M, will serve as moderator.
Following these remarks, Eduardo Lalo will respond to panelists’ comments and field questions from the audience.
Free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Susanna Sharpe, 512-232-2403.
