Chef Pilar Cabrera Arroyo has once again illustrated her commitment to promoting the work of Oaxacan artists. Together with husband Luis Espinosa, these owners of popular Oaxaca restaurant and gallery La Olla have continued their dedication as patrons of the arts on the Oaxacan cultural landscape. The June 17, 2011, exhibit of clay sculptures by Mixtecan artists Manuel Reyes and Maricela Gómez evidences this ongoing sense of responsibility.
Throughout the summer, visitors to Oaxaca have an opportunity to view quality provocative works of Reyes and Gómez, while sampling the fine Oaxacan cuisine which has been a trademark of La Olla since it opened its doors some 17 years ago.
Materials and Themes Showcased in the Sculptures of Two Oaxacan Artists at La Olla in Oaxaca
The Manuel Reyes / Maricela Gómez exhibition at La Olla showcases the works of two rising stars whose deep connection to their homeland is reflected in not only the themes present in their work, but in the materials they use. Reyes and Gómez obtain their clays from four main areas: a riverbed close to their home in Yanhuitlán, upstate at Huajuapan de León, and Cuquila and Zacatecas, which is northwest of Mexico City.
The Zacatecan clay is strong with a sandy texture, suitable for sculpting their large and sometimes life-size human figures. Their more utilitarian pieces are made with earth from Cuquila while works destined to be burnished are made with clay from Huajuapan de León. In addition, for more malleable and workable clay, they mix local and Zacatecan clays.
To achieve a broad range of colors they often look to other parts of Mexico to acquire soils which yield the variety of tones that they usually highlight. And of course there are the oxides represented in many of their works. Acrylics and oils are not found in any of their sculptures, which they feel would deviate from what Mother Earth provides.
Reyes went through a creative phase where strong mostly male sexual imagery and the depiction of Aztec warriors were predominant themes. That interest appears to have waned of late, in favor of revealing a softer side evidenced in pieces with couples caressing and more gentle facial expressions. This more “feminine” aspect to his work has long been evident in the art of his wife Maricela. Her pieces tend to portray women, their work, their importance as the foundation of society, and their feelings.
Reyes produces masks, which since Pre-Hispanic times have been an integral part of male Mixtec ritualistic culture. Like the warrior theme, Reyes uses masks to return to his roots. His masks are distinct, individual pieces which stand as art on their own but they are also incorporated into larger art forms with broader themes and more complex imagery. Reyes also pays tribute to his ancestors by both incorporating pottery chards, found objects, into his work. In addition, he reproduces entire pieces from artifacts he encountered in his travels, which (when made whole again) move the observer as a result of their form, color and design. All of these aspects are a testament to Reyes’ well-honed skill.
Inaugural Evening of Art, Drink & Botanas at La Olla in Oaxaca
While some of the works of Reyes’ students from hometown Yanhuitlán are on display, it is clearly the works of the two masters which constitute the main draw.
The highlights include:
- Reyes’ 40-tile “Orgánicos” composed of four panels of natural clay tiles on wood (one panel sold early in the evening)
- Gómez’s “Mujer Maiz” (corn woman) of clays and oxides, imagery representing women and their creative capacity as musicians
- Reyes’ masks and his two frames with mirror (Mi Pasado [my past] I & II), incorporating chards, clays , and earth on wood
- Reyes’ “El Tren” (the train), an integral player in the development of modern Oaxaca, now a relic of the past; clays and oxides on wood
- Reyes’ “Personaje” (characters or figures), of Zacateca clays and earth on wood.
Not to be overshadowed, Chef Pilar prepared a variety of botanitas (little appetizers) for the event:
- Tamales of chepil with squash blossom, grilled-tomato salsa, pineapple and coconut
- Tostadas of requesón cheese with fresh fine herbs
- Guava pie with fresh wild-blackberry sauce
And the liquor flowed in the form of both red and white wines, beer, and of course mezcal, which included two wonderful La Olla house mezcales: a smooth and smokey reposado and an extremely clean-to-the-palate blanco.
The works of Manuel Reyes and Maricela Gómez will all remain on display until the exhibit has ended. There is also an opportunity to view the rest of the works, as well as those of Reyes’ protégés, throughout the summer.
Alvin Starkman - Alvin Starkman runs Casa Machaya Oaxaca Bed & Breakfast. He is a paid contributing writer for Mexico Today (http://www.mexicotoday.org).
