Discovering the “Museum of History, Anthropology, and Art”.

Let's start from the beginning; this truly is a discovery in every aspect of the word. It seems odd enough to have lived in Puerto Rico my entire life and yet have missed the opportunities that lie within this building; opportunities, which I have witnessed, impact all those who enter the museum. But that’s a journey I will explain as this blog unfolds.

As Tuesday arrived (since work was postponed due to Hurricane Beryl), I was excited to start my first day at work! The exhibition was breathtaking and as I shadowed various tour guides I was able to compare the different techniques used for the groups, depending on the age range and on the tour guide itself. Every person has a different approach to the gallery and all of their perspectives combined to offer a new take on each painting. That was the first thing I learned, a single painting can tell countless stories depending on the one who interprets it.

The museum’s main attraction is Espejo de la Humanidad, exhibition which gathers the pieces of the outstanding artist, José R. Alicea. Although the gallery features his art, the biggest painting is one of Francisco Oller, called El Velorio, located at the front of the gallery. The pieces that surround it are Alicea’s take on the famous painting of Oller. El Velorio illustrates a group of individuals celebrating the death of a child, although it may seem contradictory since at wakes people are usually upset, it was believed that any child who died below the age of seven was an angel. Therefore, they shouldn’t cry as they thought it would taint the angel’s wings and went on celebrating with music, dance, and food their angel. José R. Alicea on his painting focused on the sorrow of the family in an attempt to shine a light on the sadness of the child’s death. During that time, resources and doctors weren’t accessible hence it was normal to have the “Wake of an angel” or in Spanish “Velorio de los angelitos” or “Baquiné”. This contrast makes the visitor reflect on the history behind the painting. As I watched the various groups tour through the exhibit it became clear the effect Alicea and Oller caused. As the day concluded I knew the journey had just begun.

Wednesday and Thursday consisted of a continuation on learning about the exhibits and how to give a proper tour to learn and possibly be able to lead one as the internship continues. I became fascinated with the techniques Alicea used for his pieces and with the help of my colleagues started studying xylography, “linóleo”, pyrography, and so on. Since by learning how the artist created the pieces, my job as a future tour guide will be more efficient. Moreover, on Thursday a cyber camp visited the museum, which showed me techniques used with groups of their age range, and how to captivate their attention. Even though the art aspect of the museum grabbed my interest, the anthropology area had its own captivating trance. How many people can say that they saw not one, not two, but three mummies! Although the museum focuses on Puerto Rican culture, upon a donation from the University of Harvard, the museum opened its doors to illustrate another part of the history of the world. In addition, objects found in multiple areas of the island portray the journey of our “taínos”.

On Friday I switched areas and worked on reception. Helping sell articles and attend calls illustrated others jobs which contribute to the museum just as those currently seen by the public. In every sense of the word, my first week at the “Museo de Historia, Antropología y Arte” was truly a discovery, which provokes a desire to keep learning which has not yet been satisfied and one that impulses me to spread the word and get as many people involved in this wonderful experience.

Below, I will show some of the pictures that captivate my journey in the museum. Until next time!