Sentrock’s “The Boy Who Wanted to Fly” lands at the Elmhurst Art Museum

Mariachi music is something that one may not expect to hear walking into the Elmhurst Art Museum; however, that is the exact way patrons were greeted on Sept. 16.

Photo by- Ryan Windle

While some may know this day as Mexican Independence Day, for the Elmhurst Art Museum, it was also a celebration of their latest exhibit, “The Boy Who Wanted to Fly,” curated by Pilsen-based street artist Joseph Perez, who many know as Sentrock. 

Sentrock is a self-taught artist who is best known for his large murals, mostly located in the city of Chicago. Sentrock’s work can also be found across the country in cities such as Detroit, New York, and Los Angeles, among other cities. 

This multimedia exhibition is Sentrock’s first solo museum show and features his Bird City Saint character, who is found in all of his work.

“The Boy Who Wanted to Fly” explores the dream of a little boy in an urban city, the importance of his Mexican-American community, and why the boy wears a bird mask. 

For Sentrock, he describes the mask as, “An individual’s personal expression, strength, and hope.”

In the exhibition, Sentrock has struck again with his talent in creating murals. However, aside from murals, Sentrock has also created a ten-foot sculpture and a life-sized birdhouse.

When approached with the proposition to work with the Elmhurst Art Museum, Sentrock was thrilled and ready to go. 

“I told the museum, let’s do it, and I’mma go crazy,” said Sentrock.

Photo by- Ryan Windle

While signing one of the sculptures that is featured at the start of the exhibit, Sentrock made sure that everyone who helped him was recognized. As the Mexican flag was being waved in the background, everyone got their shout-out as they left their final mark on the exhibit. 

Sentrock views his art as a powerful encapsulation of his Mexican-American background, upbringing, and history. Street art is a way for him to show compassion for his community.

Giving back to the Latinx community is something that is important to Sentrock. He achieves this through various educational and mentor projects with local youth, and does clothing and food drives in his neighborhood. 

It was almost fate that brought this exhibition to the Elmhurst Art Museum as Hispanic Heritage Month started, and for the artist’s reception to be held on Mexican Independence Day, which is the day that Sentrock wanted.

The Elmhurst Art Museum has been following Sentrock online for quite some time after seeing some work that was published during the COVID-19 lockdown. After initial meetings last fall, it was later finalized that the show would indeed happen. 

“We were really interested in the work he was doing because it is a community that, frankly, we do not get to reach that often here at Elmhurst,” said Sarah Cox, manager of exhibitions and collections at the Elmhurst Art Museum. 

She continued, “After meeting with him last August, and then finally decided we’re doing it in December.”

The Elmhurst Art Museum offered Sentrock a lot of room. Not being constrained to a wall, this opportunity provided Sentrock with more space to explore his art and do things he has never done before. 

“It was really exciting and I feel like it’s gotten a lot of excitement,” said Cox. “We’re hoping we can boost him [and make him more famous].”

The Elmhurst Art Museum is committed to introducing regional and national artists to Chicago’s broader Western suburbs.  

“On the occasion of our 25th Anniversary, we are thrilled to host the first solo museum show by Sentrock and continue our commitment to supporting exceptional artists from Chicagoland,” stated Executive Director John McKinnon in a press release. 

McKinnon continued, “We are excited for audiences familiar with Sentrock and his Bird City Saint character to learn of their compelling origin stories, and for others not familiar to get a wonderful introduction to the rising young artist as he translates his work to museum galleries for the first time.”

“The Boy Who Wanted to Fly” will be displayed in the Elmhurst Art Museum through Jan. 15, with the museum hosting more events with Sentrock throughout the fall.

Photo by- Ryan Windle