On April 17 from 6-8pm The Poetry Foundation will host a poetry reading, artist talk, and reception to celebrate the opening of the exhibition Escaramuza, the Poetics of Home. Free and open to all.

The opening will feature an artist talk by Jaeggi, followed by readings by Sáenz and Silva, and closing with a celebratory reception featuring music by Sones de México Ensemble. 

A window into the subculture of Mexican American women’s equestrian performance, presented through poetry and photography, Escaramuza is a collaborative work by photographer Constance Jaeggi and poets Angelina Sáenz and ire’ne lara silva.

The exhibition explores escaramuza, the team sport of women’s precision horse riding, addressing complex themes of identity, family, and gender with a lush combination of poetry and photography. 

Escaramuza, translated from Spanish as “skirmish,” is the team sport of women’s precision horse riding within charrería—the Mexican national sport of roping, equestrian activities, and working with cattle. Inspired by the soldaderas (women soldiers) of the Mexican Revolution, teams ride sidesaddle during intricately choreographed dances set to music while wearing vivid, traditional Mexican dresses.

Image: Photograph by Constance Jaeggi, courtesy of the Poetry Foundation