Join photographer Al Rendón for a community event to discuss his book Mi Cultura—Bringing Shadows Into the Light: The Photography of Al Rendón, which celebrates his remarkable 50-year career. Rendón will be joined by notable individuals who have contributed to the publication and experienced his work for decades.
Panelists include:
- Eduardo Díaz: Díaz is the Deputy Director of the National Museum of the American Latino and contributed by writing the introduction to the book.
- Dr. Tomás Ybarra Frausto: A noted Chicano Studies scholar, Dr. Fausto wrote an essay in the publication titled “Bringing Shadow Into Light: The Photography of Al Rendón.”
- Bruce Shackelford: Shackelford is the Texas History Curator at the Witte Museum. His essay in Mi Cultura is titled “Al Rendón and Charrería.”
- Juan Tejeda: A Consultant at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, Tejada’s contribution to the publication includes an essay titled “Al Rendón: Fotógrafo del Pueblo/Photographer of the People and a City.”
The discussion will be moderated by Witte Museum President & CEO Marise McDermott, who wrote the forward.
Cost: Free with Museum Admission. Reserve your admission online or become a Witte Museum Member and enjoy events like this all year!
Purchase your copy of the Mi Cultura—Bringing Shadows Into the Light: The Photography of Al Rendón book at the Bolner Family Museum Store, learn from the publication’s contributors and experience the retrospective exhibition of his 50-year career.
ABOUT THE ARTIST & AUTHOR
Al Rendón has been documenting his hometown, San Antonio, for over fifty years. He started as a teen, taking photos of rock bands, but he quickly transitioned to photos that captured San Antonio’s Mexican culture. He has photographed Conjunto and Tejano musicians, local artists, street food purveyors, Charreada competitors and people in their everyday lives.
His work with Conjunto and Tejano musicians led him to work with Selena. His photos of Selena were used as cover art for her 1992 CD Entre a Mi Mundo and various other photos of Selena have appeared on several magazines, including Newsweek and People; and her portrait is in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery at the Smithsonian.
The exhibition Mi Cultura—Bringing Shadows Into the Light: The Photography of Al Rendón is presented by the Sally and Charlie Cheever Foundation and generously supported by Guillermo Nicolas and the WellMed Charitable Foundation. The book Mi Cultura—Bringing Shadows Into the Light: The Photography of Al Rendón is generously supported by Marsha Shields and the McCombs Foundation.
