Museo Inmigrante: Stories of Resilience from Somerville’s Padres Latinos
On view at the Somerville Museum from January 11 – March 23, 2024
Somerville, MA
Curated by Iván Abarca, Marta Fuertes, and members of the Padres Latinos Group, Museo Inmigrante highlighted powerful stories of immigration, home, family, memory, and community as told by local Latino parents in Somerville.
In collaboration with photographers Mario Quiroz and Iaritza Menjívar, the exhibition featured audio interviews, family photographs, personal objects brought on migration journeys, and more—offering an intimate look into the lives and resilience of immigrant families.
This project was made possible with generous support from Mass Humanities, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and The Leonian Foundation.
Learn more about the exhibit at the Somerville Museum website.
Press & Reviews:
WCVB: “Exhibit Portrays Massachusetts Immigrant Community with Dignity”
What Will You Remember – Review by Suzanne Revy
First Generation
An Ongoing Photographic Series by Iaritza Menjívar
First Generation is a long-term documentary series exploring the everyday lives of three generations of my immigrant family— my parents, who arrived in the United States from Guatemala and El Salvador, and the generations that followed, born here in the U.S.
As “First Gens,” we navigate a complex duality: the privileges of being born in the U.S., and the emotional and social weight of our families’ migration stories. We move through systems that often marginalize our loved ones— where names, immigration status, and skin color can determine access, opportunity, and belonging.
This work is rooted in gratitude. Each image is an offering to honor my family's labor and sacrifice— a visual reminder that their struggles and perseverance were not in vain.
Press, Features & Exhibitions:
The New York Times: Honoring a Debt to Immigrant Parents
NYT en Español: Una deuda pendiente con mis padres migrantes
Photoville: First Generation Exhibition
Newton Camera Club – Contemporary Women Photographers
What Will You Remember – Reconstructed at FPAC Gallery
“The light that is passed on to us; the light that we search for; the light that is found. Our society is founded on the concept of identity. There is a commitment to the past that we hold on to and that we are certain defines us. However, there is an inevitable part of us that wants to take control, explore, and create our own intimate experience with the world.”
About This Project
This project received a 2022 grant from the Collective Futures Fund.
It is currently exhibited at the Leica Gallery in Boston, MA as part of the group exhibition “Seeing Across Generations.”
Read More About the Work:
Seeing Oaxaca. Mexico. 2015 to 2020.
Collection of portraits.
This portfolio features samples of my photography from events, concerts, and various assignments. I've had the pleasure of working with clients such as The Washington Post, Mass Humanities, Massachusetts College of Art & Design, various real state developers, the Massachusetts State House, Somerville Museum, The Somerville Community Land Trust, The Shirts & Shoes, Cambridge Health Alliance, the Somerville Museum, and more.
Please feel free to reach out with any photography inquiries. While I am based in the Greater Boston area, I am more than happy to travel for assignments.
If you're interested in wedding, engagement, or family photography, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I offer customizable packages to suit your unique needs and look forward to learning more about your special moments.
