The Metro: Black velvet paintings take center stage in Michigan History Museum exhibition

Latinos in this country continue to fight for the right to exist. Through battles unknown and battles seen in full color, Latinos and their contributions to this country can not be denied. That includes contributions to art. Many in Detroit are familiar with Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, but what about the lesser known artists and artforms?

Black velvet paintings were important artworks on display in most Latino households during the early and mid 20th century. For many, seeing the paintings was a normal part of everyday life. But a new exhibition highlights how the paintings are more than a kitschy item for the home, they are a cultural love letter to art itself.

“Black Velvet: A Rasquache Aesthetic” is an exhibition at the Michigan History Museum that invites visitors to learn more about black velvet paintings and their place in Latino and Chicano history. It’s open through November.

Elena Herrada is a Detroit community and labor activist. Diana Rivera is Librarian Emeritus at Michigan State University. She also founded the task force that created the Chicano Latino Studies Program at MSU.

Elena Herrada and Diana Rivera joined The Metro to talk more about the exhibition and the importance of the artworks.

Related: Black velvet art exhibit at Michigan Historical Museum – Detroit Evening Report

The Michigan History Museum exhibits team took inspiration from the black velvet paintings to create the exhibit. The team looked closely at Mexican American culture to pick out fonts and colors.

Black velvet paintings became popular tourist souvenirs. The paintings often reflected subject matter popular with tourists, such as Southwest U.S. landscapes and American celebrities.

Black velvets are created on rich, textured fabric. The term “rasquache” refers to the creation of art and beauty from everyday materials.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on demand.

Subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Support local journalism.

WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

Give now »