26. Preserving the Essence of San Antonio Through Photography: A Conversation with Al Rendon

This week on bigcitysmalltown, host Bob Rivard welcomes acclaimed San Antonio photographer Al Rendon, whose 50-year career documenting Latino life and culture is celebrated in a one-person exhibition at the Witte Museum that opened Sept. 2 and continues until Jan. 7. The exhibition is titled "Mi Cultura: Bringing Shadows into Light." A companion book of the same title is available at the Witte and area bookstores. Rendon, who began his career as a teenager with a camera winning backstage access to traveling rock and roll artists, soon became the best known documentarian of his own hometown and its leading Latino figures. He is best known, perhaps, for his iconic images of the Grammy Award-winning Latina singer Selena, but his work collected at the Smithsonian and other museums extends far beyond a single pop culture figure

Al's work exudes a nostalgic charm that speaks to both the heart and the mind, immortalizing fleeting moments of Latino life with uncanny accuracy. His journey into the world of photography started when he was just a child, encouraged by his mother's love for documenting their family history. From capturing rock concerts in the '70s to being recognized with a one-man retrospective at the Witte Museum, Al has passionately progressed in his career, leaving an indelible mark on the photography scene.

Photography has the power to capture the essence of a moment and preserve it for generations to come. - Al Rendon

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Uncover the vibrant tapestry of Latino culture in San Antonio, as immortalized in print.

• Embark on an aesthetically enlightening journey exploring Al Rendon’s spectacular retrospective exhibit at the Witte Museum.

• Venture into the pulsating world of concert photography, recounting Al Rendon's rookie experiences.

• Appreciate the importance of interactive learning in photography, echoing through the mock darkroom demonstration at Al Rendon's exhibition.

• Ignite a wave of nostalgia and gratitude, reminiscing through the lens of memory preservation in Al Rendon's work.

Starting out as a photographer selling his captures to local newspapers to becoming a successful concert photographer and entrepreneur, Al Rendon's journey is truly inspiring. His career is a testament to his determination and love for photography, illuminating his ability to be adaptable in the evolving industry. His decision to bypass traditional routes and take his own path demonstrates his daring approach and has led to unique opportunities such as photographing the Pope during his visit to San Antonio.