As an artist, are we inherently inclined to plant flowers in our communities, or do we learn to give back through practice? This is a question that resonates with me as I embark on the journey to experience “diversión,” an event organized by Carlos Flores during his Anchor Curatorial Residency with the Chicago Park District. The work and efforts of Flores remind me of the lyrics of Erykah Badu’s “Apple Tree,” where she sings about offering food for thought rather than edible food. By curating a select group of art practitioners and land workers to lead skill-sharing activities with a spirit of play in mind, “diversión” provides us with the opportunity to engage with the ecosystem and the wisdom that artists bring to Marquette Park.
Carlos Flores, the mastermind behind “diversión,” sheds light on the inspiration behind this exhibition and programming series. The concept of diversion stems from a desire to break away from the harsh realities of life and find moments of joy and self-discovery. Growing up in Little Village, Flores experienced firsthand the allostatic load of stresses that envelop individuals living in marginalized communities. This constant pressure, whether from overpolicing, gentrification, or environmental racism, can numb individuals to the harsh realities of their surroundings. Flores aims to create experiences that allow participants to break out of this numbing cycle and engage with their bodies, the environment, and their community in meaningful ways.
One of the central themes in Flores’ practice is the concept of diversion, which is evident in his wheelbarrow art practice. By repurposing wheelbarrows and inviting artists to construct their own interpretations, Flores aims to challenge historical narratives of extraction and conversion. The wheelbarrows, made from community-collected bandit signs, serve as a symbol of reclaiming spaces and transforming tools of oppression into instruments of placemaking. Artists like Marylu E. Herrera and Marimacha Monarca Press have used the wheelbarrows to create altars and installations that reflect their personal experiences and cultural backgrounds.
In addition to the artistic installations, “diversión” offers a diverse range of workshops and events that are designed to engage the community and foster creative expression. From birdwatching to ethical storytelling workshops, the programming aims to create space for reflection, learning, and joy. One upcoming event that Flores is particularly excited about is a wheat-pasting workshop that will coincide with Marquette Park’s Día de los Muertos festival. This workshop will celebrate the park’s diverse Arab American population, particularly its Palestinian American community, through art and storytelling.
As a self-proclaimed flower farmer, Flores sees his practice as a way of giving back to the land and creating visibility for those who care for the south and west sides of Chicago. By cultivating a small-scale flower farm with native plants from Mexico, Central America, and the Midwest, Flores hopes to nourish both the land and the community. His commitment to sustainability and community engagement is reflected in his ongoing projects and collaborations with local artists and organizations.
Overall, “diversión” is not just an exhibition or a series of events; it is a testament to the power of art to create meaningful connections, spark joy, and inspire social change. Through his residency with the Chicago Park District, Carlos Flores has demonstrated the transformative potential of art in engaging with communities, fostering creativity, and reclaiming public spaces for collective healing and growth.
