The Bronx Library Center is kicking off our 2021 virtual exhibitions focused on women. Artist Evelyn Ray’s "Let’s Celebrate Women" exhibit centers on mixed media art created to uplift women from all walks of life.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Evelyn found time to create work that exemplifies the struggles and hopes that many of us might have experienced over the past many hectic months. Some of the common themes that Evelyn’s work delves into are Puerto Rico, female identity, and multicultural shared experiences.

"Paz" is an acrylic painting depicting a meditating woman following Puerto Rico’s devastating Hurricane Maria. The hurricane was one of the worst storms ever recorded as it killed an estimated 2,975 Puerto Ricans and ravaged the island's infrastructure. The meditating woman flanked by flowers and seated above the word “siempre” or “forever” allows viewers to develop a sense of solidarity with the peaceful subject at the center of the painting.

"Overcome" represents Evelyn’s struggle to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic as her female subject is mostly submerged underwater while her head and right arm are backdropped by the warmth of a radiating sun. The collage reflects the way we all might sometimes feel and the need to come up for air and relief. 

"Remembering Julia de Burgos" is another one of Evelyn’s works focusing on her Puerto Rican heritage and the shared pride that many islanders feel for their homeland. Burgos was a poet, writer, and thinker who emigrated to New York City in 1939 to work as a journalist. To this day Puerto Ricans regard Burgos as one of the most important writers that the island has ever produced.

"Young Lady - Portrait" is an oil on canvas work highlighting a happy woman against a charry grey backdrop. The woman’s warm smile and colorful scarf inspire feelings of hope during dark times.

In unity with the Latina and African American women around the world who labor and care for their families every day but might go unnoticed at times, Evelyn created the "Untitled" series. The figures depict faceless women wearing colorful skirts and blouses while holding hearts in their hands. The acrylic on canvas pieces allows viewers to relate to the figures and imagine the women in their lives who might be seen in these frames.

To view the full presentation narrated by artist Evelyn Ray please visit our Vimeo page.