Photo transparencies of Selena by Rendon for Coca-Cola advertisements.
Courtesy Smithsonian
The Chronicle – On what would have been her 50th birthday, the Smithsonian is expanding its collection to memorialize late Tejano songstress Selena Quintanilla-Pérez.
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History acquired 18 pieces of artwork from San Antonio-based photographer Al Rendon, who previously donated Selena-centric work in 2015. The pieces will be added to the museum’s Photographic History Collection.
The newly added photography depicts the Tejano singer in concert and interacting with fans, as well as in professional head shots, according to a press release.
The museum will show an educational video highlighting Selena to complement the photos. Some of her memorabilia will also be on display, including one of her performance costumes donated by her family.
“Selena’s music continues to animate family barbecues and celebrations such as quinceañeras, as her music and story continue to inspire, resonate, and connect across generations and communities,” museum curator Verónica A. Méndez said in a press release.