Contemporary Hispanic Crafts from the Taylor Museum Collection (original) (raw)

Kennedy Museum of Art

Ohio University - Lin Hall - The Ridges - Athens, OH

740-593-1304

http://www.ohiou.edu/museum/

Living the Tradition: Contemporary Hispanic Crafts from the Taylor Museum Collection

The Kennedy Museum of Art, Ohio University, announces the opening of "Living the Tradition: Contemporary Hispanic Crafts from the Taylor Museum Collection" organized by the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The exhibit will be on display October 21st through November 26th, 2000.

During the past five years, The Taylor Museum has dedicated considerable resources to acquiring contemporary Hispanic crafts from northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado. The focus of the collection is traditional Hispanic folk art produced in the Southwest during the 20th century. In addition, there is an introductory section focusing on the revival artists of the early 20th century. (left: "Virgin of the Apocalypse" by Catherine Robles-Shaw)

There is also a section on the Virgin of Guadalupe, a sacred symbol and popular icon of Latino culture. The display traces the sources and history of the image in Mexico, possible connections to Spain and the Mexican Indian mythology, and the role of the image in the evolution of a Mexican national identity.

The exhibit includes many award-winning contemporary artists who are some of the most important figures in the Hispanic art community. Many of these artists have devoted extensive research and study to the traditional Hispanic art designs and processes and are also involved in restoring traditional artwork as well as creating their own. (left: "Our Lady of Guadalupe" by Eulogio and Zoriada Ortega)

The works include santos, weaving, colcha embroidery, straw appliqué, tinwork, and silver. Santos are depictions of religious figures which are made in two forms: bultos, statues made from wood or bronze, and retablos, paintings on wood or tin. Artists who make santos are called santeros, or "saint makers."

The art blends a strong devotion to Hispanic heritage, religion, and family with contemporary culture. The end product is strong in both innovation and tradition. Catherine Robles-Shaw, whose santo "The Virgin of the Apocalypse" will be on view, says of her work, "As a santera I hope to preserve some of the unique traditions of my Hispanic culture. Retablos are the storytellers of my ancestors. They are a natural extension of the beauty and simplicity of our Spanish lives." (left: La Dona Sebastiana" (death cart) by Nicholas Herrera)

The Ohio Arts Council provided partial funding for this exhibit to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

Also on view is the Education Gallery, featuring selections from the Southwest Native American Collection, and the exhibit "Woven Vessels: Chauncey Elementary Fifth Grade," both of which are supported in part by the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation.

A reception in celebration of the exhibit will be held October 31st beginning at 6:30 PM at the Kennedy Museum. There will be Latin music and the refreshments will be served. Admission to the reception is free and open to the public. The Bobcat Express will be providing a shuttle service that will stop at Nelson Dining Hall, Shively Hall, Baker Center and Grosevnor Hall starting at 6PM and returning every 20 minutes.

Please click on thumbnail images bordered by a red line to see enlargements.

This page was originally published in Resource Library Magazine. Please see Resource Library's Overview section for more information. rev. 4/6/11

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