56 °f
Detroit
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
  • Home
  • About
    • Introducing the partnership with the Race and Justice reporting Initiative
    • Resources
  • Español
    “Equipando Padres” Empowers Hispanic Families with Tools for College Success

    “Equipando Padres” Empowers Hispanic Families with Tools for College Success

    Paraguay

    Paraguay

    Defensores de los derechos de los inmigrantes piden a legisladores de Michigan que condenen la detención de un estudiante de Detroit por parte de ICE

    Joven de Detroit detenido por ICE ha sido deportado a Colombia

    No Kings and No Crowns, Thousands Rally Against Trump Policies in Southwest Detroit

    No Kings and No Crowns, Thousands Rally Against Trump Policies in Southwest Detroit

    Defensores de los derechos de los inmigrantes piden a legisladores de Michigan que condenen la detención de un estudiante de Detroit por parte de ICE

    Defensores de los derechos de los inmigrantes piden a legisladores de Michigan que condenen la detención de un estudiante de Detroit por parte de ICE

    Panamá

    Panamá

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Fifteen-year old kidney transplant patient Genesis wished for a Quincenera party

    Make-A-Wish Michigan Needs Spanish-speaking Volunteers

    El Salvador

    El Salvador

  • Community
    Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

    Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

    “Equipando Padres” Empowers Hispanic Families with Tools for College Success

    “Equipando Padres” Empowers Hispanic Families with Tools for College Success

    MHCC’s Tercer Jueves June Networking Event Draws Enthusiastic Turnout

    MHCC’s Tercer Jueves June Networking Event Draws Enthusiastic Turnout

    Michigan Legislative Latino Caucus Honors Legislative Latino Advocacy Day

    Michigan Legislative Latino Caucus Honors Legislative Latino Advocacy Day

    Defensores de los derechos de los inmigrantes piden a legisladores de Michigan que condenen la detención de un estudiante de Detroit por parte de ICE

    Joven de Detroit detenido por ICE ha sido deportado a Colombia

    Bagley Arts Alley Celebrates Detroit’s Multicultural Roots, Opens June 28

    Bagley Arts Alley Celebrates Detroit’s Multicultural Roots, Opens June 28

    Sam Allen

    Tigers vs. Reds Negro Leagues Day

    No Kings and No Crowns, Thousands Rally Against Trump Policies in Southwest Detroit

    No Kings and No Crowns, Thousands Rally Against Trump Policies in Southwest Detroit

    The Nuevo Comienzo Class of 2025.

    Wayne State’s 2025 El Nuevo Comienzo Celebration

  • Featured
    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Pope Leo XIV, the former Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, waves from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican after his election as pope May 8, 2025. The new pope was born in Chicago. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

    Pope Leo XIV a ‘man of many gifts’ who will lead Church with grace

    Southwest Detroit’s Cinco de Mayo Parade Prevails Over “Rain and Rumors” to the Enjoyment of Thousands

    Southwest Detroit’s Cinco de Mayo Parade Prevails Over “Rain and Rumors” to the Enjoyment of Thousands

    Caesar Chavez Academy’s Robotics Team Represents Southwest Detroit at World Robotics Championship

    Caesar Chavez Academy’s Robotics Team Represents Southwest Detroit at World Robotics Championship

    El Arzobispo Edward J. Weisenburger dirige las oraciones durante una Misa en memoria del papa Francisco el 21 de abril en la Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament en Detroit. El papa Francisco, quien ha liderado la Iglesia católica desde 2013, murió la madrugada del lunes, el día después del Domingo de Pascua. (Foto de Valaurian Waller | Detroit Catholic)

    Archbishop Weisenburger leads Detroit faithful in mourning Pope Francis’ death

    Photo of Cesar Chavez Academy’s High School Robotics team, the AzTech Eagles, after their successful performance at the FIRST State Robotics Competition. Photo taken by the AzTech Eagles robotics team.

    Southwest Detroit Robotics Teams Earn Recognition at District, State and World Competitions

    Attendees of Youth In Action for Immigration’s conference gather together for a group photo. Photo by Ixel Garcia and Evelyn Garcia

    Immigration Conference Inspires Catholic High School Students to Take Action

    Co-writer and lead actor Alex Ruiz anticipates production of the film Love & Detroit during a recent Investor's Pitch. El co-guionista y actor principal Alex Ruiz anticipa la producción de la pelicula Love & Detroit durante un reciente Investor's Pitch

    Filmmakers Return Home to Challenge Hollywood’s Lens

    La Basilica of Ste. Anne, un emblemático templo de 139 añosserá completamente restaurada gracias a una alianza transformadora con The Catholic Initiative. The 139-year-old Basilica of Ste. Anne will undergo a $30 million “complete rehabilitation” thanks to a “transforma- tive partnership” with The Catholic Initiative. (Foto de / Photo by James Silvestri | Special to Detroit Catholic)

    ‘Innovative partnership’ will secure future of Ste. Anne, preserve basilica for generations

  • Opinion
  • Culture & Arts
    • All
    • World Cultures
    Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

    Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

    Paraguay

    Paraguay

    Bagley Arts Alley Celebrates Detroit’s Multicultural Roots, Opens June 28

    Bagley Arts Alley Celebrates Detroit’s Multicultural Roots, Opens June 28

    Kikapú

    Kikapú

    Nicaragua

    Nicaragua

    Panamá

    Panamá

    Movement Detroit 2025

    Movement Detroit 2025

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” Tour Makes Memorable Stop in Detroit

    “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” Tour Makes Memorable Stop in Detroit

    • World Cultures
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
    • Throwbacks
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • en English
    • en English
    • es Spanish
No Result
View All Result
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
  • Home
  • About
    • Introducing the partnership with the Race and Justice reporting Initiative
    • Resources
  • Español
    “Equipando Padres” Empowers Hispanic Families with Tools for College Success

    “Equipando Padres” Empowers Hispanic Families with Tools for College Success

    Paraguay

    Paraguay

    Defensores de los derechos de los inmigrantes piden a legisladores de Michigan que condenen la detención de un estudiante de Detroit por parte de ICE

    Joven de Detroit detenido por ICE ha sido deportado a Colombia

    No Kings and No Crowns, Thousands Rally Against Trump Policies in Southwest Detroit

    No Kings and No Crowns, Thousands Rally Against Trump Policies in Southwest Detroit

    Defensores de los derechos de los inmigrantes piden a legisladores de Michigan que condenen la detención de un estudiante de Detroit por parte de ICE

    Defensores de los derechos de los inmigrantes piden a legisladores de Michigan que condenen la detención de un estudiante de Detroit por parte de ICE

    Panamá

    Panamá

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Fifteen-year old kidney transplant patient Genesis wished for a Quincenera party

    Make-A-Wish Michigan Needs Spanish-speaking Volunteers

    El Salvador

    El Salvador

  • Community
    Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

    Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

    “Equipando Padres” Empowers Hispanic Families with Tools for College Success

    “Equipando Padres” Empowers Hispanic Families with Tools for College Success

    MHCC’s Tercer Jueves June Networking Event Draws Enthusiastic Turnout

    MHCC’s Tercer Jueves June Networking Event Draws Enthusiastic Turnout

    Michigan Legislative Latino Caucus Honors Legislative Latino Advocacy Day

    Michigan Legislative Latino Caucus Honors Legislative Latino Advocacy Day

    Defensores de los derechos de los inmigrantes piden a legisladores de Michigan que condenen la detención de un estudiante de Detroit por parte de ICE

    Joven de Detroit detenido por ICE ha sido deportado a Colombia

    Bagley Arts Alley Celebrates Detroit’s Multicultural Roots, Opens June 28

    Bagley Arts Alley Celebrates Detroit’s Multicultural Roots, Opens June 28

    Sam Allen

    Tigers vs. Reds Negro Leagues Day

    No Kings and No Crowns, Thousands Rally Against Trump Policies in Southwest Detroit

    No Kings and No Crowns, Thousands Rally Against Trump Policies in Southwest Detroit

    The Nuevo Comienzo Class of 2025.

    Wayne State’s 2025 El Nuevo Comienzo Celebration

  • Featured
    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Pope Leo XIV, the former Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, waves from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican after his election as pope May 8, 2025. The new pope was born in Chicago. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

    Pope Leo XIV a ‘man of many gifts’ who will lead Church with grace

    Southwest Detroit’s Cinco de Mayo Parade Prevails Over “Rain and Rumors” to the Enjoyment of Thousands

    Southwest Detroit’s Cinco de Mayo Parade Prevails Over “Rain and Rumors” to the Enjoyment of Thousands

    Caesar Chavez Academy’s Robotics Team Represents Southwest Detroit at World Robotics Championship

    Caesar Chavez Academy’s Robotics Team Represents Southwest Detroit at World Robotics Championship

    El Arzobispo Edward J. Weisenburger dirige las oraciones durante una Misa en memoria del papa Francisco el 21 de abril en la Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament en Detroit. El papa Francisco, quien ha liderado la Iglesia católica desde 2013, murió la madrugada del lunes, el día después del Domingo de Pascua. (Foto de Valaurian Waller | Detroit Catholic)

    Archbishop Weisenburger leads Detroit faithful in mourning Pope Francis’ death

    Photo of Cesar Chavez Academy’s High School Robotics team, the AzTech Eagles, after their successful performance at the FIRST State Robotics Competition. Photo taken by the AzTech Eagles robotics team.

    Southwest Detroit Robotics Teams Earn Recognition at District, State and World Competitions

    Attendees of Youth In Action for Immigration’s conference gather together for a group photo. Photo by Ixel Garcia and Evelyn Garcia

    Immigration Conference Inspires Catholic High School Students to Take Action

    Co-writer and lead actor Alex Ruiz anticipates production of the film Love & Detroit during a recent Investor's Pitch. El co-guionista y actor principal Alex Ruiz anticipa la producción de la pelicula Love & Detroit durante un reciente Investor's Pitch

    Filmmakers Return Home to Challenge Hollywood’s Lens

    La Basilica of Ste. Anne, un emblemático templo de 139 añosserá completamente restaurada gracias a una alianza transformadora con The Catholic Initiative. The 139-year-old Basilica of Ste. Anne will undergo a $30 million “complete rehabilitation” thanks to a “transforma- tive partnership” with The Catholic Initiative. (Foto de / Photo by James Silvestri | Special to Detroit Catholic)

    ‘Innovative partnership’ will secure future of Ste. Anne, preserve basilica for generations

  • Opinion
  • Culture & Arts
    • All
    • World Cultures
    Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

    Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

    Paraguay

    Paraguay

    Bagley Arts Alley Celebrates Detroit’s Multicultural Roots, Opens June 28

    Bagley Arts Alley Celebrates Detroit’s Multicultural Roots, Opens June 28

    Kikapú

    Kikapú

    Nicaragua

    Nicaragua

    Panamá

    Panamá

    Movement Detroit 2025

    Movement Detroit 2025

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” Tour Makes Memorable Stop in Detroit

    “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” Tour Makes Memorable Stop in Detroit

    • World Cultures
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
    • Throwbacks
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • en English
    • en English
    • es Spanish
No Result
View All Result
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
No Result
View All Result

Seeds Today, Flowers Tomorrow

Artist Ivan Montoya’s New Exhibit, ‘Semillas,’ Reaps New Life From an Old Saying

EL CENTRAL by EL CENTRAL
October 27, 2022
in Community, Culture & Arts
Reading Time: 8 mins read
Home Community
ShareShareTweetEmail to a friend

By Ofelia Saenz with pictures by Alejandro Ugalde

As visitors to Playground Detroit enter the gallery, it’s hard not to be drawn in by the mural toward the back of the space. Tetris-like blocks of color in a limited palette, each showcasing a natural motif, plant the seed for what the viewer is about to experience. Rising above the room like the column of a tree, the mural stands surrounded by the pieces that make up artist Ivan Montoya’s new solo exhibition of paintings, “Semillas.” The exhibit runs now through Nov. 19, with an artist talk on Nov. 17. 

The show title and theme were inspired by the Spanish saying, “hoy semillas, mañana flores,” which translates to “seeds today, flowers tomorrow.” In the exhibit, Montoya, who was born in Chihuahua, Mexico and emigrated to the U.S. with his family when he was five years old, pays homage to the sacrifices and dreams of immigrant families. “Semillas,” the Spanish word for “seeds,” explores the dynamics between first and second-generation immigrants and their parents. 

“That saying can be a driving force for so many things,” says Montoya. “I feel like the pieces I’m painting are lessons, or semillas, I’ve taken on throughout my childhood. They just feel like things I need to share.”

“Semillas” seamlessly draws influence from many points along the Mexican ancestral timeline. Rounded shapes and scrunched forms recall the Mexican muralists of the first half of the twentieth century, but also remind us of figures fit onto panels in the art of the Mayans and Aztecs. 

Montoya pulls from a breadth of color in the culture, not just painters, but artisans, textile makers, wood carvers and others. 

“I try to pay respect to those influences and bring those colors forward in a contemporary way,” he says. 

In “Semillas,” Montoya’s paintings often tell stories through allegory rather than direct narrative, and it calls out the mysticism intertwined with Mexican culture. 

“A lot of my work is in a space that’s mystical, more fantastical and folkloric.” 

In the piece “Setting of the Altar,” Montoya showcases a family carrying a wooden table teaming with food one might find in a Mexican household for Sunday dinner. There’s a pot that could be filled with posole, and a basket laid with elote. A molcajete holds peppers and tomatoes ready to be roasted and ground to salsa. There’s a bottle of Valentina and one of Don Julio. There’s everything familiar and foreign, as the figures carry the table reverently on their shoulders, the way a Virgin de Guadalupe might be carried in procession through the streets on Dec. 12. 

Montoya says he named the piece “Setting of the Altar” because for the immigrant family, gathering for meals can sometimes feel sacred. 

“The food they make, the dishes and recipes they bring with them are like offerings,” he says. 

The visual language throughout “Semillas” is distinctly Mexican, even “Rito de Noche,” which is perhaps the biggest departure from the other paintings. Electric blue and lime green flames pulse between dancing figures that look like they could be lit by blacklight. But even though the environment of the piece is far more contemporary feeling, the story is not out of place with the other paintings. According to Montoya, the painting is a nod to the special camaraderie that first and second-generation immigrant young people feel with those who have the same lived experience as them – those who live in, as Montoya says, “the in-between space.” “Rito de Noche” is a place without inhibitions – a place without airs. 

“You’re comfortable because you’re letting go,” says Montoya. “You’re not playing a role. You’re not being a son or daughter, or you’re not trying to assimilate or speak perfect English or be a certain person. You’re just letting go and being around people that are also letting go.” 

The piece, he says, was inspired by his childhood connections with other Mexican American and Latino kids from throughout Metro Detroit. They were often connected through the limited number of Spanish-speaking masses offered throughout the area’s Catholic churches. Families often drove outside their communities to get to a Spanish-speaking mass, which allowed their children to form and grow bonds with other kids that they may not have otherwise met. 

“We all kind of grew up and grew into adulthood together,” he says. “When we got together, we were speaking Spanglish, and making jokes that only we would get because they were kind of nodding to very specific things in Mexican American culture. That kind of belonging wasn’t forced. This circumstance was the only one where you could really just be, and not worry about who you are or who you might not be.” 

For more information about the exhibit, visit www.PlaygroundDetroit.com or visit the artist’s website at www.IvanMontoya.art. For the most current show updates, follow the artist and the gallery on Instagram: @imontoya_ @playdetroit

A native of Southwest Detroit, Ofelia Saenz is a writer, marketer and food entrepreneur. Now that her son Ruben is off to college, she’s working to teach her Chihuahua/Pekingese, Memo, to be less messy and more friendly. She makes killer tamales.

Previous Post

Matrix Presents Bagley Street Film Festival

Next Post

Mexicantown Community Altar and Procession

EL CENTRAL

EL CENTRAL

Related Posts

Morena Sends Representatives Across US with Stop in Detroit
Community

Morena Sends Representatives Across US with Stop in Detroit

by EL CENTRAL
July 10, 2025
0

Morena Party reps visit Detroit’s Vamonos Café to discuss immigration, economic justice & the Finabien card with the Mexican diaspora....

Read moreDetails
Letters: Frank Puente Honored by Tigers
Community

Letters: Frank Puente Honored by Tigers

by EL CENTRAL
July 10, 2025
0

Honoring Frank Puente’s Vietnam service, Fort Cavazos' legacy, and a Purple Heart moment recognized by the Detroit Tigers on June...

Read moreDetails
Brushstrokes & Brainpower: Teachers Gather to Boost Student Thinking Through Art
Culture & Arts

Brushstrokes & Brainpower: Teachers Gather to Boost Student Thinking Through Art

by Amber Ogden
July 10, 2025
0

Wayne County teachers explore computational thinking through art at the DIA. Discover how “CT in the D” is transforming K–12...

Read moreDetails
Michigan food banks lack capacity for fallout of Big Beautiful Bill
Community

Michigan food banks lack capacity for fallout of Big Beautiful Bill

by EL CENTRAL
July 10, 2025
0

SNAP and Medicaid cuts threaten millions in Michigan. As food banks strain to meet rising demand, hunger and hardship for...

Read moreDetails
Rarámuris / Tarahumaras 
Español

Rarámuris / Tarahumaras 

by Mariana Ayón RV
July 10, 2025
0

Discover the Rarámuri people of Mexico—legendary long-distance runners, rich in culture, tradition, language, and cuisine like Tarahumara soup. Learn more!

Read moreDetails
Concert of Colors in Mexicantown
Community

Concert of Colors in Mexicantown

by EL CENTRAL
July 3, 2025
0

Experience the rhythm of culture! The 2025 Concert of Colors in Mexicantown brought salsa, mariachi & Tejano music to life...

Read moreDetails
Next Post

Mexicantown Community Altar and Procession

Leave Comment
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Volunteers Needed for Refugee Resettlement in Michigan

Volunteers Needed for Refugee Resettlement in Michigan

February 14, 2024
Southwest Celebrates Cinco de Mayo

Why We Celebrate “CINCO DE MAYO, THE 5TH OF MAY”

May 2, 2024
MSHDA Opens $60 Million MI Neighborhood Applications

MSHDA Opens $60 Million MI Neighborhood Applications

April 4, 2024
Infamous Highwaymen Motorcycle Club Leader Pursues a Second Chance at Life

Infamous Highwaymen Motorcycle Club Leader Pursues a Second Chance at Life

February 1, 2024
Community and RuboFest 2022 

Community and RuboFest 2022 

0
“Vemos a México como un socio igualitario”

“Vemos a México como un socio igualitario”

0
Ford Hispanic and Latino Network Beautifies Clark Park

Ford Hispanic and Latino Network Beautifies Clark Park

0
Editorial Opinion “The Fifth, I take the Fifth”

Editorial Opinion “The Fifth, I take the Fifth”

0
Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

June 26, 2025
Left-Right) Akindele Akinyemi, Global African Business Association; Mario Tapia-Preza of TechTown; Dr. Theodore Jones of Global Detroit; Mayte Penman of TechTown; Rachapa Lau of Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce; Anita Zavala of Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; and Bilal Hammoud of American Arab Chamber of Commerce

Legacy Across Borders: Celebrating Immigrant Heritage and Entrepreneurial Spirit in Detroit

June 26, 2025
“Equipando Padres” Empowers Hispanic Families with Tools for College Success

“Equipando Padres” Empowers Hispanic Families with Tools for College Success

June 26, 2025
MHCC’s Tercer Jueves June Networking Event Draws Enthusiastic Turnout

MHCC’s Tercer Jueves June Networking Event Draws Enthusiastic Turnout

June 26, 2025

Recent News

Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

June 26, 2025
Left-Right) Akindele Akinyemi, Global African Business Association; Mario Tapia-Preza of TechTown; Dr. Theodore Jones of Global Detroit; Mayte Penman of TechTown; Rachapa Lau of Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce; Anita Zavala of Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; and Bilal Hammoud of American Arab Chamber of Commerce

Legacy Across Borders: Celebrating Immigrant Heritage and Entrepreneurial Spirit in Detroit

June 26, 2025
“Equipando Padres” Empowers Hispanic Families with Tools for College Success

“Equipando Padres” Empowers Hispanic Families with Tools for College Success

June 26, 2025
MHCC’s Tercer Jueves June Networking Event Draws Enthusiastic Turnout

MHCC’s Tercer Jueves June Networking Event Draws Enthusiastic Turnout

June 26, 2025
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News

Michigans #1. Oldest. Largest & Only
Bilingual Hispanic News for 33 Years.

Follow Us

Browse by Category

  • Business
  • Classifieds
  • Community
  • Culture & Arts
  • Education
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Español
  • Events
  • Featured
  • Finance
  • Food
  • Latest News
  • Local News
  • Local Small Business
  • Music
  • National News
  • Opinion
  • Others
  • People
  • Politics
  • Resources
  • Restaurants
  • Sports
  • Throwbacks
  • World
  • World Cultures

Recent News

Left-Right) Akindele Akinyemi, Global African Business Association; Mario Tapia-Preza of TechTown; Dr. Theodore Jones of Global Detroit; Mayte Penman of TechTown; Rachapa Lau of Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce; Anita Zavala of Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; and Bilal Hammoud of American Arab Chamber of Commerce

Legacy Across Borders: Celebrating Immigrant Heritage and Entrepreneurial Spirit in Detroit

June 26, 2025
Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

June 26, 2025
  • Latest Issue
  • About
  • Newsletter
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Menu Item
  • Created with EyeBreatheDesign

© 2022 EL CENTRAL HISPANIC NEWS

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Catagories
    • Featured
    • Local News
    • Community
    • Culture & Arts
    • Español
    • Music
    • Sports
  • Events
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Contact
  • Advertise

© 2022 EL CENTRAL HISPANIC NEWS