TALLAHASSEE, FL –
In
celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 –
October 15), Secretary of State Glenda E. Hood announces an
exhibition of two large-scale murals created by Miami-based,
Cuban-American artist Xavier Cortada. Organized by the Division of
Cultural Affairs, this exhibition is part of a statewide celebration
initiated by Governor Jeb Bush to commemorate five centuries of
Hispanic history, culture, and prosperity in Florida.
Governor Bush will officially unveil the murals on Thursday,
September 25, 2003 at 2:30 p.m.
“The Department
of State is delighted to partner with the Governor’s office to
promote the special celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month
to all Floridians,” said Secretary Hood. “Xavier Cortada is a
wonderfully talented artist and we are so fortunate to have the
opportunity to exhibit his colorful interpretations of Florida’s
unique Hispanic heritage.”
Well-known for
his collaborative public artwork, Xavier Cortada has previously
completed commissions for the
White House, the World Bank, and
numerous other organizations. For this project, he worked solo to
create two large murals, each measuring 57” x 118,” which illustrate
Florida’s unique Hispanic heritage. One of the
murals
portrays the first encounter between Ponce de Leon and Florida’s
indigenous residents against the backdrop of a beach and mangroves.
“The mangroves’ walking feet serve as a metaphor for the growth and
evolution of the state,” states Cortada. The
other mural
captures
the journey many others have made since Ponce de Leon named the
state La Florida.
Xavier Cortada’s murals will be on display at
the Plaza Level of the State Capitol Building through October 31.
For more information about Xavier Cortada, visit
www.cortada.com. For further information
about the Capitol Complex Exhibition Program, contact Sandy
Shaughnessy at the Division of Cultural Affairs at 850/245-6480 or
visit:
www.florida-arts.org.
