56 °f
Detroit
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
  • Home
  • About
    • Introducing the partnership with the Race and Justice reporting Initiative
    • Resources
  • Español
    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

    The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

    Detroit Election Videos Bridge Gap Between Candidates and Voters

    Detroit Election Videos Bridge Gap Between Candidates and Voters

    Supreme Court clears way for racial profiling in immigration raids

    Supreme Court clears way for racial profiling in immigration raids

    Huicholes

    Huicholes

    Details for the Grand Opening of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park

    Details for the Grand Opening of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park

    Cultura y Comunidad – October

    Dominican Republic

    Senate Dems: Don’t cave! And explain the big picture!

    Senate Dems: Don’t cave! And explain the big picture!

  • Community
    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

    The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

    DHDC Celebrates Founder Angie Reyes’ Retirement

    DHDC Celebrates Founder Angie Reyes’ Retirement

    Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness Opens

    Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness Opens

    Detroit Officials Implement New Truck Traffic Restrictions in Southwest Detroit

    Detroit Officials Implement New Truck Traffic Restrictions in Southwest Detroit

    Supreme Court clears way for racial profiling in immigration raids

    Supreme Court clears way for racial profiling in immigration raids

    Details for the Grand Opening of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park

    Details for the Grand Opening of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park

    TechTown Invites Latin Innovators to ‘Latin-X-Tech’ 

    Kintsugi Village Opens Its Doors in Corktown

    Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Named 2025 Chamber of the Year by USHCC

    Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Named 2025 Chamber of the Year by USHCC

  • Featured
    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Cultura y Comunidad – October

    Hispanic Heritage Month Shifts into High Gear with Local Events

    Hispanic Heritage Month Shifts into High Gear with Local Events

    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

  • Opinion
  • Culture & Arts
    • All
    • World Cultures
    Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

    Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

    Huicholes

    Huicholes

    Detroit Symphony Orchestra Presents The Three Mexican Tenors

    Detroit Symphony Orchestra Presents The Three Mexican Tenors

    TechTown Invites Latin Innovators to ‘Latin-X-Tech’ 

    Kintsugi Village Opens Its Doors in Corktown

    Cultura y Comunidad – October

    TechTown Invites Latin Innovators to ‘Latin-X-Tech’ 

    TechTown Invites Latin Innovators to ‘Latin-X-Tech’ 

    Dominican Republic

    DIA Announces Artists Participating in 13th Annual Ofrendas

    DIA Announces Artists Participating in 13th Annual Ofrendas

    Introducing Season Fair, Detroit’s First Contemporary Art Fair

    Introducing Season Fair, Detroit’s First Contemporary Art Fair

    • 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
    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

    The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

    Detroit Election Videos Bridge Gap Between Candidates and Voters

    Detroit Election Videos Bridge Gap Between Candidates and Voters

    Supreme Court clears way for racial profiling in immigration raids

    Supreme Court clears way for racial profiling in immigration raids

    Huicholes

    Huicholes

    Details for the Grand Opening of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park

    Details for the Grand Opening of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park

    Cultura y Comunidad – October

    Dominican Republic

    Senate Dems: Don’t cave! And explain the big picture!

    Senate Dems: Don’t cave! And explain the big picture!

  • Community
    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

    The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

    DHDC Celebrates Founder Angie Reyes’ Retirement

    DHDC Celebrates Founder Angie Reyes’ Retirement

    Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness Opens

    Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness Opens

    Detroit Officials Implement New Truck Traffic Restrictions in Southwest Detroit

    Detroit Officials Implement New Truck Traffic Restrictions in Southwest Detroit

    Supreme Court clears way for racial profiling in immigration raids

    Supreme Court clears way for racial profiling in immigration raids

    Details for the Grand Opening of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park

    Details for the Grand Opening of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park

    TechTown Invites Latin Innovators to ‘Latin-X-Tech’ 

    Kintsugi Village Opens Its Doors in Corktown

    Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Named 2025 Chamber of the Year by USHCC

    Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Named 2025 Chamber of the Year by USHCC

  • Featured
    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Cultura y Comunidad – October

    Hispanic Heritage Month Shifts into High Gear with Local Events

    Hispanic Heritage Month Shifts into High Gear with Local Events

    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

  • Opinion
  • Culture & Arts
    • All
    • World Cultures
    Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

    Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

    Huicholes

    Huicholes

    Detroit Symphony Orchestra Presents The Three Mexican Tenors

    Detroit Symphony Orchestra Presents The Three Mexican Tenors

    TechTown Invites Latin Innovators to ‘Latin-X-Tech’ 

    Kintsugi Village Opens Its Doors in Corktown

    Cultura y Comunidad – October

    TechTown Invites Latin Innovators to ‘Latin-X-Tech’ 

    TechTown Invites Latin Innovators to ‘Latin-X-Tech’ 

    Dominican Republic

    DIA Announces Artists Participating in 13th Annual Ofrendas

    DIA Announces Artists Participating in 13th Annual Ofrendas

    Introducing Season Fair, Detroit’s First Contemporary Art Fair

    Introducing Season Fair, Detroit’s First Contemporary Art Fair

    • 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

Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants
Community

Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

by EL CENTRAL
October 9, 2025
0

Archbishop Weisenburger urges Catholics to support migrants, highlighting hope, compassion, and faith in action. Discover how you can make a...

Read moreDetails
The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan
Community

The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

by Stephanie Sanchez
October 9, 2025
0

Michigan’s 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards celebrated Hispanic community leaders, culture, and empowerment during Hispanic Heritage Month 2025.

Read moreDetails
Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo
Culture & Arts

Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

by Juanita Zuniga
October 9, 2025
0

Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rico residency electrifies fans worldwide. From Detroit to El Choli, his “No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí”...

Read moreDetails
DHDC Celebrates Founder Angie Reyes’ Retirement
Community

DHDC Celebrates Founder Angie Reyes’ Retirement

by Michael Gutierrez
October 9, 2025
0

Southwest Detroit honors Angela Reyes, founder of DHDC, whose 53-year mission turned gang violence into community healing and youth empowerment.

Read moreDetails
Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness Opens
Community

Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness Opens

by EL CENTRAL
October 9, 2025
0

Discover Michigan’s first free Parkinson’s wellness center. The Kirk Gibson Center offers movement, therapy, and support for Metro Detroit’s Parkinson’s...

Read moreDetails
Detroit Officials Implement New Truck Traffic Restrictions in Southwest Detroit
Community

Detroit Officials Implement New Truck Traffic Restrictions in Southwest Detroit

by EL CENTRAL
October 9, 2025
0

Detroit enforces new truck traffic restrictions in Southwest Detroit to reduce pollution, protect roads, and improve residents’ quality of life...

Read moreDetails
Next Post

Mexicantown Community Altar and Procession

Leave Comment
ADVERTISEMENT
  • 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
Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

October 9, 2025
The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

October 9, 2025
Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

October 9, 2025
DHDC Celebrates Founder Angie Reyes’ Retirement

DHDC Celebrates Founder Angie Reyes’ Retirement

October 9, 2025

Recent News

Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

October 9, 2025
The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

October 9, 2025
Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

October 9, 2025
DHDC Celebrates Founder Angie Reyes’ Retirement

DHDC Celebrates Founder Angie Reyes’ Retirement

October 9, 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

Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

October 9, 2025
The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

October 9, 2025
  • Latest Issue
  • About
  • Newsletter
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Menu Item
  • Created with EyeBreatheDesign

© 2022 EL CENTRAL HISPANIC NEWS

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

© 2022 EL CENTRAL HISPANIC NEWS