Mexico possesses a rich history of popular art that reaches more than 2,000 years into the past and continues today in villages, towns, and cities throughout the country. Through Aug. 17 El Caballo: The Horse in Mexican Folk Art, is on display at the Center for Community & Cultural Arts at the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation, 404 Euclid Ave. in San Diego celebrates this enduring legacy through more than 70 examples, including ceramics, metalwork, paintings, paper art, and sculpture.
Each work in the exhibition focuses on the horse and related subjects, which have long attracted the attentions of Mexican folk artists. Since introduced by the Spanish, the horse has held special prominence in Mexican culture. Many of the heroes and saints of Mexico, including Zapata, a rebel leader in the Mexican Revolution, and Santiago, the Apostle St. James, are portrayed on horseback. Today, with their long history as ranchers and cowboys, Mexicans are recognized for being among the best equestrians in the world.
El Caballo demonstrates the diversity and vitality of modern Mexican folk art. Its artisans produce some of the world’s most exciting examples of popular art, interweaving a collective tradition with individual expressions of creativity. Using whatever materials are at hand, these artists fashion an array of utilitarian, ceremonial, and decorative objects. While most of these creations are regional, even local, in concept and design, they share distinctly Mexican features that give them a sense of national identity.
There is a reception to celebrate the exhibition Thursday, July 18 from 6-8 p.m. (Register at http://theccca.eventbrite.com/) as well as a Family Art Day Saturday, Aug. 10 from noon-4 p.m. All programs and events are free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Wednesday – Friday from 1-5 p.m., Saturday from noon – 4pm or by appointment.
El Caballo is comprised of works from a traveling exhibition arranged by ExhibitsUSA, a national program of Mid-America Arts Alliance and augmented with several related pieces from the collections of the San Diego Museum of Man and the Mingei International Museum. The exhibition also includes oil paintings by featured local artist and art teacher Jonathan Saenz. More information is available at CommunityAndCulturalArts.org
