Did you know November is Puerto Rican Heritage Month? It is an official New York City celebration proclaimed by New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani in 1998. The celebration acknowledges Puerto Rican contributions to the culture and prosperity of New York City. With so many Puerto Ricans in the mainland of the United States, it is a time to celebrate the diversity of the Borinquen identity.

So, there is no better time than now to visit the Boricua Lens: Sophie Rivera Portraits exhibition at Pregones/Puerto Rican Traveling Theater. This exhibition presents a selection of portraits by Puerto Rican street photographer Sophie Rivera.

Sophie Rivera was a photographer of Puerto Rican descent, who was an activist and teacher. She is best known as a photographer whose work challenged stereotypical assumptions of Puerto Ricans in the United States.

The exhibition is an initiative of the Nueva Luz Study Center (NLSC) and is part of En Foco’s efforts to preserve the culture and legacy of diasporic lens-based artists. Sophie Rivera had been involved with En Foco since before the launch of the Nueva Luz photographic journal in 1985. Boricua Lens: Sophie Rivera Portraits honors this connection by showcasing photos from En Foco’s permanent collection and reproduced pages from the premiere issue of Nueva Luz including the historic cover.

On View: October 13, 2023 - April 19, 2024

Pregones/PRTT

575 Walton Ave,

Bronx, NY 10451

(718) 585-1202

Open by appointment.

Click Here to Visit Virtual Exhibition

Available for Purchase From The Nueva Luz Archive

The premier issue of Nueva Luz, originally produced in 1985 features the works of Sophie Rivera, Tony Mendoza, and Kenro Izu. These limited quantities are available for sale for $50, from the Nueva Luz archive.

Click to Purchase