The Briscoe Western Art Museum in San Antonio has opened a new exhibition titled "Selena Forever," honoring the late Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. The show features large-scale photographs (50 by 62 inches) taken by local photographer John Dyer between 1992 and 1994, many of which have never been displayed together before. The exhibition serves as a prelude to a broader historical showcase, "Tejano Legacy: Another American Origin Story," opening in July, which will explore 400 years of Tejano culture and history. The museum is also launching a "Siempre Tejano" summer film series, starting with a screening of the 1997 film "Selena" on Father's Day weekend, with free admission for fathers and special activities.
This exhibition matters because it positions Selena not just as a music icon but as a cultural figure emblematic of the American West and Tejano heritage, bridging contemporary pop culture with deep historical narratives. By presenting Dyer's intimate photographs in a museum setting, the show elevates Selena's legacy within the fine art context, while the accompanying film series and family activities engage the local community. The exhibition also highlights the Briscoe Western Art Museum's commitment to expanding its focus beyond traditional Western art to include the diverse stories of the American West, particularly Tejano history and influence.