“Píntame Angelitos Negros” is the selection for the 2024 open call for Art on Audubon Terrace, a joint effort between the Hispanic Society Museum & Library and the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance (NoMAA) in which local artists are invited to submit an original work to be installed on the Hispanic Society’s public Audubon Terrace.

This art installation, “Píntame Angelitos Negros” is inspired by the poem of the same name written by the Venezuelan poet Andrés Eloy Blanco, made famous by Mexican singer Pedro Infante. Deler grew up listening to his records, which her dad frequently played on his record player. She immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic as a baby, and growing up, she did not feel Dominican or American. Listening to this song as a child made her aware that she was not alone in questioning where she was in this American life. This installation will consist of 999 white ceramic angels and a single black ceramic angel, all evenly spaced and attached by wire to the gate on Audubon Terrace. She will also include the poem in Spanish and English for context. Deler hopes viewers take the time to find that one black angel.

About Rose Deler:

Rose Deler is a Dominican/American artist based in New York City. Her work is deeply influenced by her Latin heritage and the rich narratives of her ancestors—boatbuilders, carpenters, farmers, and seamstresses—who inspire her craft. Rose’s art practice, which incorporates textiles, sewing, ceramics, printmaking, and photography, reflects her lineage, focusing on social, cultural, and political ideas, women’s body image and autonomy, immigration, and community. Rose holds an MFA from the City College of New York and has exhibited her work in numerous prestigious venues, including The Pen and Brush Gallery, The Morris-Jumel Mansion Museum, Porta: Governors Island, Taller Boricua, and the Vermont Studio Center. Her work is part of the permanent collection at Georgetown Peabody Library in Massachusetts. A recipient of the Lower Manhattan Cultural Center UMEZ and Creative Engagement grants, Rose has also been honored by the North Manhattan Arts Alliance. Her work has been featured in publications like The Nation the Encyclopedia of Inspiration and Uppercase Magazine. In addition to her artistic practice, she is an adjunct faculty member at the City College of New York. Rose’s process is visceral and fluid, allowing her work to evolve organically. She considers her creations archaeological evidence of her hands.

Listen to Venezuelan poet Andrés Eloy Blanco read from his work