"Vincent Valdez: The City" opens at the Blanton on Tuesday

Expanding knowledge and human understanding is a core value of The University of Texas at Austin, and it is central to the mission of the Blanton Museum of Art. Visitors to the museum are invited to engage with great works of art, which at times prompt complex inquiries. After more than a year of preparation, on July 17 the Blanton will open Vincent Valdez: The City, an exhibition of two works that depict the Ku Klux Klan against the backdrop of a city at night. The paintings were created by artist Vincent Valdez as an exploration of racism, one of the most persistent and challenging social issues of our day. By working with faculty from across departments, as well as longstanding community partners including the Anti-Defamation League and the Austin Independent School District, the Blanton has developed rich opportunities for exploration and learning at the museum for both campus and community. The art raises and forces us to confront uncomfortable questions, but the rewards that come from having difficult conversations are many and important. Programming includes an opening day talk between the artist and Maria Hinojosa, of NPR’s Latino USA; a series of community conversations in the museum; and a day-long symposium Facing Racism: Art & Action on September 27. Please visit the museum’s website for details about programming and more resources. The City will be on display at the Blanton through October 28, 2018, and we encourage you to view the work and join the conversation.

Sincerely,

Leonard N. Moore Vice-President Division of Diversity and Community Engagement George Littlefield Professor of American History Simone Jamille Wicha Director Blanton Museum of Art