The newest Wintrust mural is inspired by the life and artwork of Chicago poet, printmaker, and political activist Carlos Cortéz, whose selected prints and paintings are preserved in the National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA) based in the Pilsen neighborhood. NMMA has promoted knowledge and appreciation of Mexican art and culture since its founding in 1982 and hopes the mural and the works of Cortéz (1923 – 2005) are inspirational for all Chicago residents and visitors to the city.

“We are very excited that we are partnering with Wintrust on this very important tribute to a great Chicago artist, Carlos Cortéz,” says NMMA President and Founder Carlos Tortolero.

Beginning August 13 to February 18, 2024, Carlos Cortéz 100 AÑOS will be on display in NMMA’s Rubin & Paula Torres Gallery. This exhibition will showcase the work of Cortéz and that of other artists, many of whom were influenced by Cortéz. As a contemporary and acquaintance of fellow Chicagoans Studs Terkel and Margaret Burroughs, the socially conscious Cortéz continually aimed to raise awareness, provoke thought, inspire action regarding issues of inequality or oppression, and promote activism.

“We hope the viewers of Chicago become curious about one of our very own artists,” says Visual Arts Director and Chief Curator Cesáreo Moreno. “His work and life raise awareness, provoke thought, and inspire action in people’s lives, and we hope Chicago will help NMMA commemorate the legacy of this great community activist by taking in his artwork — be it an afternoon of poetry or by appreciating one of his many prints.”

Visitors will also find work by Cortéz, along with his printing press, in NMMA’s anchor exhibition, Nuestras Historias: Stories of Mexican Identity from the Permanent Collection. The themes Cortéz worked with in his prints and poetry include anti-war, pro-peace, working people, hidden histories, Mexican culture, heroes, Indigenous visions, anti-Colonialism, and travels in nature and nations.

The Wintrust connection

Wintrust has been proud to provide financial partnership to NMMA over the years and happy to support its mission through involvement, with Group Senior Vice President Carlos R. Cardenas currently leading the NMMA Board of Trustees. Wintrust is also a long-time supporter of Gala de Arte, NMMA’s annual benefit, and more recently invested in NMMA’s award-winning youth initiative Yollocalli Arts Reach. Based in the under-resourced Little Village neighborhood on the southwest side of Chicago, Yollocalli promotes youth development for youth ages 13 to 24 through artmaking. NMMA is seeking to double the number of students served by Yollocalli programs over the next five years.

“NMMA serves as an anchor for the Mexican community in Chicago and beyond by creating opportunities to celebrate Mexican heritage and cultural traditions, offering a platform for Mexican voices and perspectives,” says Cardenas. “The mural will provide a view for the broader public into the beauty and complexity of Mexican art and identity.”

To learn more about NMMA’s ongoing and upcoming exhibits, or how to contribute to their mission, please visit nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org.