Ricardo Romo photo exhibit featured in China's Popular Photography magazine

Article on photo exhibit by Ricardo Romo in China's Popular Photography magazine

By Lorna Stafford
Communications Coordinator, Office of Communications

(Jan. 11, 2011)--Music may be known as the universal language, but "Small Town Texas," a photo exhibit by Ricardo Romo, is communicating quite well across the ocean.

Several photos from the exhibit by Romo, president of The University of Texas at San Antonio, recently were published in Popular Photography magazine, the most respected magazine among photographers in China with a circulation of more than 500,000. Romo is the first university president to be interviewed and have photos featured in the publication.

"'Small Town Texas' simply began out of my interest to visually record the heritage of our area," said Romo. "Never in a million years did I think it would connect with hearts across the world. It is an honor to be included in this prominent publication and to share our rich South Texas culture with others."

The "Small Town Texas" exhibit drew interest during a visit of prominent Chinese photographers to the university last September. Hosted by the UTSA Confucius Institute and the UTSA Art Gallery, 76 photographs of China's homeland were displayed by representatives of the China Photographers Association (CPA).

Delegates from CPA attended the exhibit's opening ceremony including Zhongyuan Chen, chief editor of Popular Photography. After seeing "Small Town Texas," Chen invited Romo to submit photos for the magazine. Photos and an interview of Romo conducted by Don Lien, director of the Confucius Institute and holder of the Richard S. Liu Distinguished Chair in Business, can be seen in the magazine's December 2010 edition.

"Chinese are generally not very familiar with Texas and Texan culture," said Lien. "Dr. Romo's photos introduce Texas heritage to the viewers. As Popular Photography magazine has an unbelievably broad readership, these photos will surely touch the hearts of Chinese readers and bring UTSA and Texas closer to China."

The sharing of Texas culture with China will continue as plans are in the works for Romo and Lien to organize a Texas delegation that will take a photo exhibit to China this year.

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Arts Building Recital Hall, Main Campus

Thursday, May 16, 3:00 p.m.

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Thursday, May 16, 6:00 p.m.

Willie Velásquez: Su Voz – A Plática

Join us for a tribute to Willie Velásquez, honoring the legacy of Willie Velásquez, a pivotal figure in shaping the history of Latino and Hispanic participation in the American voting process. Delve into his life and contributions as a champion of Latino voting rights. Moderated by UTSA's Teresa Niño, the event will feature influential voices, including Jane Velásquez, María Antonietta Berriozábal, Dora Oliva, and Anthony Gonzales.

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Friday, May 17, 4:30 p.m.

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Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.

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