Welcome to
el Schomburg
Experience the vibrant world of contemporary art at The Schomburg | Espacio de Arte Contemporáneo in the heart of Paseo Boricua in Humboldt Park. Immerse yourself in a creative venture as we sample the creativity and rich artistic tapestry of Puerto Rico and its Diaspora.
DIÁSPORA
Recent Work by Raúl Ortiz Bonilla
El Schomburg | Espacio de Arte Contemporáneo premiered a new solo exhibition for its month-long first-anniversary celebration. “DIASPORA” features the latest series of works by Puerto Rican artist Raúl Ortiz Bonilla.
“Diaspora” follows Ortiz Bonilla’s exhibit “Semillas” at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture (2022-2023). This new series continues the artist's commitment to exploring the diverse experiences of the Puerto Rican diaspora community in Chicago while grounding his ancestral connection to the countryside of his native Ponce, Puerto Rico.
Ortiz Bonilla’s vibrant palette is meticulously layered within a grid system, showcasing an intricate repetition of patterned dots, symbols, and natural elements. This sublime matrix, present throughout most of the series, frames a tree-shaped vessel—a symbol that embodies ancestral and spiritual wisdom, as well as strength.
“Diaspora” also revisits Puerto Rico’s collective history and transformation in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, seven years ago. Ortiz Bonilla’s new works, like his earlier ones, continue to explore themes of activism and resistance (La Masacre), love and pride (Machetero), memory (Pendulum and La Ventana), and spiritualism, deeply connected to nature (Eclipse and Palo de Oro).
OPEN GALLERY HOURS
We are proudly located in Paseo Boricua at:
2538 W Division St. Chicago IL 60622
MONDAY-FRIDAY
by Appointment Only | Call/Text 312.646.8278
SATURDAY
11AM to 2PM
3PM to 6PM
