San Jose Art Gallery Illuminates Gentrification’s Impact
A powerful exhibition in downtown San Jose is shedding light on the often-overlooked human stories behind gentrification. Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana (MACLA) presents “There Are New Suns,” an interactive gallery featuring three Mexican American artists with deep South Bay roots, running through November 9, 2025. This display is a crucial conversation starter about cultural resilience and the changes impacting our local Latin American communities.
Understanding Gentrification Through Local Art
MACLA, a cornerstone for supporting Latin American cultures in the South Bay, brings this vital topic to the forefront. Gentrification, often discussed in statistics, is the process where an influx of wealthier residents transforms a neighborhood, frequently displacing original residents due to soaring housing costs. “There Are New Suns” aims to transcend numbers, offering personal and emotional perspectives on this complex issue.
Natalia Torres, a MACLA staff member, emphasizes that the exhibition allows visitors to engage with gentrification and displacement in a more intimate way. The artwork helps viewers connect with the experiences of those affected, fostering a deeper understanding beyond abstract data.
Featured Artists and Their Powerful Messages
The exhibition showcases the diverse talents and perspectives of three artists, each contributing unique insights into the theme:
- Cecilia Perez specializes in illustrations and animation. Her “San Jose” painting, a highlight for many visitors, captures iconic downtown elements like the Berryessa Flea Market, the city skyline, street stalls, and the Virgin Mary. Rendered in striking black and bronze, it beautifully depicts how the local Latin American community maintains its cultural identity amidst rapid change.
- Samantha Saldana uses mixed media and photography to create impactful installations. Her work featuring a collection of paper resembling eviction letters, alongside images of personal belongings and families, powerfully illustrates the pain and displacement experienced by those forced to abandon their homes due as a direct result of gentrification.
- Claudia Blanco is known for her distinctive cartoon-like drawings. Her rotating wheel sculpture adorned with cartoon birds evokes a sense of continuous motion. This piece symbolizes how both people and nature are constantly searching for new, better places to live in the wake of gentrification’s fallout, reflecting a universal quest for stability.
Connecting with San Jose’s Soul
Angelique Alvarez Martinez, a reviewer from the Mosaic journalism program, highlights how these artworks resonate deeply, especially for those familiar with San Jose. Perez’s painting, for instance, evokes a strong sense of cultural familiarity and connection, celebrating the vibrant Latinx heritage woven into the fabric of our city.
Saldana’s work, with its stark representation of eviction, is described as breathtaking, underscoring the severe emotional and practical difficulties faced by displaced families. Blanco’s piece, with its nostalgic art style, reminds viewers of a shared past while depicting the ongoing search for belonging.
Exhibition Details and What to Watch Next
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this impactful collection. “There Are New Suns” runs through November 9, 2025, at MACLA’s gallery, located at 510 S. First St. in downtown San Jose. It’s an essential visit for anyone interested in San Jose’s cultural landscape, the arts, and the crucial conversations shaping our community’s future.
| Artist | Medium/Focus | Key Message |
|---|---|---|
| Cecilia Perez | Illustrations, Animation | Honoring culture amidst change |
| Samantha Saldana | Mixed Media, Photography | Pain of displacement and eviction |
| Claudia Blanco | Cartoon-like Drawings, Sculpture | Constant search for a better life |
Frequently Asked Questions About “There Are New Suns”
- What is “There Are New Suns”?
It’s an art exhibition at MACLA in downtown San Jose, featuring three Mexican American artists who explore cultural resilience and gentrification. - Who are the featured artists?
The exhibition showcases the works of Cecilia Perez, Samantha Saldana, and Claudia Blanco, all with South Bay roots. - What is the main theme of the exhibition?
The primary theme is gentrification’s impact on Latin American communities and their cultural resilience in San Jose. - When does the exhibition close?
The exhibition runs through November 9, 2025. - Where is MACLA located?
MACLA (Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana) is located at 510 S. First St. in downtown San Jose.
This exhibition offers a profound opportunity for local residents to engage with art that speaks directly to the heart of San Jose’s evolving identity and the challenges faced by its diverse communities. Take the time to visit and contribute to this vital community dialogue.
San Jose Art Tackles Gentrification’s Human Toll
