Bakersfield College celebrated Hispanic heritage month with the event, Colores De Mi Cultura: Talavera Tile Painting on Thursday, Sept. 25. The unique and immersive experience showcased the artistry of expanding culture and the meaning behind it, using Talavera tiles and vibrant colors. The event was held from 2:30-4:30 PM in the fireside room on BC panorama campus.
It represents more than just a word, its culture. Talavera’s are a type of Mexican and Spanish earthenware that is known for its vibrant colors and intricate designs. According to Wendy Cordova, Director of Campus Engagement and Leadership, the significance of Talavera tiles runs deep in Hispanic culture.
Cordova explained in the event, “… I really wanted to make sure that we were intentional and bringing different influences that create the Latin America Diaspora here in California, and so that’s why we brought the Talavera tiles because it connects us back to our ancestry as well as our Spanish ancestry, as well as amplifying our indigenous ancestry, recognizing that many of these images and symbols that are on the actual tiles come from indigenous influencers, so I wanted to make sure that that was on display.”
BC student, Iliahna Hernandez participated in the Colores de Mi Cultura event, and shared her perspective.
When asked why she decided to join, Hernandez said, “I thought it was interesting. I did tile painting in elementary school and it’s a part of Hispanic heritage month, and I’m Hispanic, so I thought it would be fun.” When asked if the Butterfly design and colors she chose for her tile represented anything she replied, “they’re so pretty.”
as for the colors, she stated “purple it’s always been my favorite color so I thought I might as well make it meaningful if I’m going to keep it.”
Colores De Mi Cultura overall gave many the opportunity to celebrate Hispanic culture through uniqueness and artistry, “…what makes our students Talavera’s so special is that everybody gets to do their own so they get to decide what Cultura means to them and so I really like that part of it too,” said Cordova.