SAN DIEGO–Heroes and Artisans, opening Sunday, February 28 at Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park, celebrates the 200th anniversary of Mexican independence (1810), the 100th of the Mexican revolution (1910) and the folk art that colorfully and vitally expresses the nation’s spirit. Just as the heroes of independence and the revolution were great artisans in crafting the nation’s constitution, laws and institutions, so are its many artisans also cultural heroes, vibrantly perpetuating Mexico’s historical memory and its distinctive, exuberant and vital artistic tradition.
Presented in collaboration with Centro Cultural Tijuana and the Mexican Consulate in San Diego, the exhibition continues through January 2, 2011. Curators are Khery Camara Thiam and Cynthia Saucedo Villalobos.
Featuring works drawn from Mexico’s federal patrimony and from Mingei International Museum’s collection, ¡Viva Mexico! — Heroes and Artisans reveals the vibrant creativity, imagination and artistic sensibility of Mexico through its folk art and introduces us to key events and people that shaped Mexico’s history and culture. Included in the 105 objects on loan from Mexico is a set of glazed and painted plates created in 1985 for the 175th anniversary of independence and the 75th anniversary of the revolution that commemorate the national heroes of these historic events. Among other exceptional objects in the exhibition is a monumental (more than six feet tall) abundantly ornamented, painted clay tree of life.
Organized around the three themes of Search for Identity, Daily Life and Religion and Festivity, works in the exhibition express Mexico’s cultural diversity and are grouped as Independence, Revolution, The National Shield, The Sacred and Profane, Trees of Life, Pottery Vessels, Skeletons and Masks.
Located at 1439 El Prado in Balboa Park, Mingei International Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday,10 a.m.– 4 p.m., and closed on Mondays and national holidays.
Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 for students and active military with ID. For information, call (619) 239-0003 or visit www.mingei.org.
