SEGUNDO BARRIO
This art exhibition was in collaboration with the Divine Art Coalition. Opening night was debuted at Divine Art Coalition’s Segundo Barrio Block Party, held in the Second Ward of Houston, Texas. This event brings together the community in the East End as well as other Houstonians across the city. Below are photos of the Block Party and the exhibition. Thank you to the Divine Art Coalition for an opportunity to hold space together.
CURATORIAL STATEMENT
This group artist exhibition is a visual mapping of the celebration of resilient people, a rich culture and the withstanding history that has shaped Segundo Barrio. In a second iteration of the Open Door Gallery exhibition, El Barrio, this exhibition offers an intimate look at what makes Segundo Barrio a place of warmth, creativity and deep-rooted identity. The artists are not merely reflecting the neighborhood; they are part of its fabric. By celebrating the artistic contributions of those who live and work here, Segundo Barrio emphasizes the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of spaces like this—where the past and present intersect and where the future is constantly being shaped by the voices of those who call it home.
THE ART EXHIBIT
Like the changing landscape, a wide range of showcased art is represented from photography exploring the neighborhood’s ongoing transformation, love letters to the neighborhood archiving our shared collective consciousness, to surreal collages reimagining symbols of everyday life. The artworks guide viewers into the spirit of Segundo Barrio, a place where identity, community, and creativity thrive.
Segundo Barrio welcomes you to walk its streets, meet your neighbors, and experience one of Houston's most historic neighborhoods.
MEET THE ARTISTS
ADRIANNA AUDDIE BENAVIDES
NINA VASQUEZ
RAQUEL NATALICCHIO
DARÍO DE LEON
CAM.SHOT.FIRST
HOU.GO
MIKE LAZO
ST.
MAX HUMMELS
CURATED BY RAQUEL NATALICCHIO & ADRIANNA AUDDIE BENAVIDES
Raquel Natalicchio is a photographer from Los Angeles, CA, now based in Houston, TX as a staff visual journalist for The Houston Chronicle. Raquel documents social issues, community driven stories, political mobilization and migration across the US/Mexico border. Her work focuses on the universality of humanity, including themes of love, struggle, resilience and community. Raquel is passionate about education and community building. She spent many years as a teaching artist for High School students and has produced talks, panel discussions and art exhibitions for the photographic community in Los Angeles, CA and now Houston, TX.
Raquel is a member of Women Photograph, Diversify Photo and The National Press Photographers Association.
Adrianna “Auddie” Benavides is a Xicana conceptual and collage artist from Magnolia Park, Houston, Texas. She holds a BA in Studio Art and Art History from Occidental College. Benavides utilizes contemporary art and streetwear as tools to make connections and create meaningful dialogue with her community. Her business, Audley.Creative, is a platform for compassion, community art projects, recycling, and styling fearless and bold looks for all body shapes. At the core, Benavides has a mission to utilize the arts and its connection to our lives to promote overall well being and healing. She is a community champion and still growing in what that title holds.
OUR SPONSORS
We want to give a special thank you to all of our sponsors for making this possible. Houston, we love you.
The Tipsy Sloth
Fernando Chavira Real Estate
Sherwin Williams
State Farm - Daniel Salinas
Alumbra Properties
East End Cultural District
Christina Morales - State Rep. District 145
Joaquin Jimenez
Morales Funeral Home
Buffalo Bayou Partnership
Magnolia Fund
Marine Boating Supply
Saint Arnold
