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Mestizo: Collections and Cultural Fusions
| Place: | Huneke Gallery (Gallery D) |
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| Date From: | 7/31/2010 |
| Date To: | 12/4/2010 |
| Summary: | The Spanish conquest of Central America north to Mexico and into the present-day American Southwest and California began over 500 years ago leaving an indelible and complex historic narrative. This exhibit illustrates the unique Mestizo identity fused from the disparate cultures of the indigenous people and the colonizing Europeans with thematic references to the art of Ruben Trejo. |
| Description: | This exhibit explores the ongoing identity of the Mestizo culture through objects and personal anecdotes. It displays a blend of Spanish and Indian culture, wrought by the Spanish conquest of Central America and the southern region of North America which began over 500 years ago. This clash of civilizations left an indelible mark on the historic narrative of these regions provoking dramatic stories and traditions that can, at times, lessen the ongoing effects impacting both the indigenous peoples of these regions and the colonizing Europeans. The Spanish/Indian persona of two contemporary Americas speaks as profoundly today as it did when these cultures were adversaries. Guest curators who retain their Mestizo identity choose objects from the MAC's extensive American Indian collections to highlight their world views and the themes found in the work of Chicano artist Ruben Trejo-both steeped in history, religion, ritual and spirituality. A featured artifact is the Cristo Cana de la Maiz, a 300 year old Central American processional cross made out of a paste consisting of the pith of corn stalks and the ground up bulb of a certain orchid. This powerful object depicts a crucified Christ, head hanging down to his right, his chin almost touching his chest. This very rare piece has been completely restored to almost original condition. |
| Related Objects: |
NN97.27 (Retablo, "San Antonio de Pauda", ca. 1860-1900)
SHELTON.1977.171 (Retablo, "Santa Rita (Saint Rita)", ca. 1860-1900)
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