‘We Know Who We Are’ highlights Hispanic heritage at Mills Gallery

A new exhibition opening at Orlando’s Mills Gallery explores Hispanic heritage and identity as seen through the lens of Colombian photojournalist Juan David Tena.

“We Know Who We Are,” which opens Sept. 9, showcases an intimate look at life around the South American country with a selection of portraits, slice-of-life moments and cultural events. Tena, who was born and raised in Bogotá, worked for newspapers and the National University of Colombia before he was hired as the official staff photographer for President Juan Manuel Santos Calderón.

“I had the opportunity to travel all around the country and internationally; it was a beautiful experience,” he said.

The idea behind the exhibition stems from Tena’s experience immigrating to Orlando, where he now lives with his wife while working with the Consulate of Colombia. In capturing photos in his home country, he draws on his own heritage and experience.

“The name of the exhibition came from something really intimate as an immigrant. When we are in the process of immigration, sometimes we forget who we are,” Tena said. “I think this exhibition is a reminder for all people, especially Latin people, to remember who they are.”

In his work, Tena aims to shed light on narratives of indigenous communities, Afro-Colombian culture and marginalized sectors of the Latin community.

Some of his photos show tragedy, such as a fire that burned 100 homes in a poor neighborhood near Bogotá. Another features a young boy picking up toys in the aftermath of an avalanche in the mountainous town of Mocoa.

“When I asked him, in the middle of this tragedy, he said to me, ‘I am picking all these toys because I want to make the other kids happy,'” Tena said. “My heart almost exploded with that one.”

Orlando-based artist Juan Pablo Santa Luna, who curated the exhibit, said this photography showcase helps bring a diverse perspective and a new audience to the gallery.

“The purpose of Mills Gallery is to bring people together for a meaningful reason. It’s to create experiences and to offer something beautiful to people who have never experienced these kinds of events,” he said. “The world is changing, and we need to create our own future. The idea is to show unification.”

A portion of proceeds from this exhibition’s gallery sales will support Colombian organizations providing food, books and essential supplies to those in need.

“As a narrative in this exhibition, we need to remember that we are a resilient people. We have horrible circumstances and corrupt governments but we always stand up,” Tena said. “This new generation is going to stand up in front of the circumstances and show hope for the future.”

If you go

“We Know Who We Are” is on display Sept. 9-30 at 1650 N. Mills Ave. in Orlando. An opening night celebration goes from 6-9 p.m. Sept. 9. The gallery is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and by appointment on weekends. For more information, visit millsgalleryoforlando.com.

Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.