Delilah Montoya: Contemporary Casta Portraiture
April 24 - May 25, 2023
Casta #2 from Contemporary Casta Portraiture by Delilah Montoya
About the Exhibition
This exhibition by Delilah Montoya is based on the artist’s research into the racial categorizing that was expressed in 18th century paintings made in Spanish Americas known as “casta paintings.” The historical works visually reinforced stereotypes by representing different racial mixes from the children of Spaniards who coupled with people in the “New World.” Montoya’s contemporary photographic portraits of Houston and New Mexico colonial families are presented DNA analysis of the sitters and a global map of their families’ 100,000 years migration. The ethnographic art project addresses themes of identity and the impact of race and class distinctions. Montoya is an emerita professor from the University of Houston in the School of Art. Her work has been recognized with numerous awards and has been exhibited throughout the United States including New Mexico, Texas, New York, California as well as internationally in Puerto Rico, Russia, Japan, France, and Mexico.
Image details: Casta #2 from Contemporary Casta Portraiture: Nuestra Calidad; 2018; photograph and mixed media; 38 x 26 inches
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Staniar Gallery Hours
Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm during the Academic Year (unless otherwise noted for special exhibitions)