BY JESSICA ADAMS
For many art lovers, the term "Hispanic Art" may bring to mind  brightly colored images of religious saints, expansive landscapes, rich still-life representations and, of course, the Virgin Mary. There is good reason for this, as the majority of this type of art follows that archetypal path.

However, two artists seek to dispel those stereotypical images in an upcoming exhibit at the National Hispanic Cultural Center's art museum. Titled Caminos Distintos: Patrocino Barela and Edward Gonzales in New Mexico, the exhibit will feature the work of this ground-breaking pair of artists, both of whom have had a tremendous impact on the national and international art world and are regarded by many as pioneers of modern Hispanic art.

Taos sculptor Patricio Barela’s organic, unpainted wood sculptures are difficult to categorize. Carved mostly from cedar or pine, his sculptures at once reveal both primitive and modern aspects. Faces and bodies blend together in ways that make it hard for viewers to distinguish separate shapes and many of Barela's figures seem to follow the natural shape of the wood, as if the wood itself provided the inspiration the finished piece.

Barela first began carving in the 1930s, while working as an itinerant laborer throughout the Southwest region of the United States. The Works Progress Administration (WPA), a federal program created during the presidency of Franklin Roosevelt, took notice of Barela’s talent. Soon, his works were featured in an exhibit at New York City's Museum of Modern Art which was followed a proclamation of his talent by Time Magazine, giving Barela national recognition.

 

In 1964, Barela tragically died in a fire in his own studio, leaving the art world with over 1,400 original works that have proven to be an inspiration to many other New Mexican artists and writers. Also of note is the fact that many of Barela's descendants have ably continued his artistic legacy by becoming artists in their own right — a number of them will also have work featured in the exhibit.

 

Among the many artists that have been profoundly influenced by the work of Barela is Albuquerque painter and printmaker Edward Gonzales, whose richly-hued paintings of New Mexican culture will also be featured in <>Caminos Distintos<>, which will be on display from February 22 through August 10.

 

Similar to Barela's wood carvings, Gonzales' emotional, telling paintings represent both historical and contemporary Hispanic society, using a vibrant color palette to show intimate, everyday images of rural New Mexican life. While the 1996 painting "Low Rider Tours (Self-Portrait with the artist Lalo's)low rider," is a modern (albeit rural) depiction of the owner of a low rider kneeling in front of his car with a small village church in the background and his 1990 piece "Las Enjarradoras" appears to represent a more distant past.

 

However, in stark contrast to Gonzales' preference for using dynamic colors, “The Meal (after Collier),” is a monochromatic depiction of a simple family at mealtime that is just as powerful as his more colorful works.

 

Though the styles of Barela and Gonzales differ greatly, one painting by the latter artist effectively ties the two together. Titled “Commemorative Portrait of Patrocinio Barela (after Prather),” the Gonzales original depicts a confident Barela sitting in a chair and casually smoking a cigarette as one of his sculptures stands at his feet. It is no secret that Gonzales revered Barela, as he is the co-author of a book on the artist titled Spirit Ascendant. Also of note is the fact that Gonzales has actively advocated the recognition of modern Hispanic artists and the inclusion of more Hispanic and Chicano artists in mainstream exhibitions at cultural institutions. 

 

This exhibit also marks the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the WPA and will feature work by other artists and writers who have been influenced by Barela including artists Luis Tapia, Glen Gunderson and James Jimenez.

Coinciding with the exhibit is a slide lecture by Gonzales on February 23, along with a curator’s tour. Other related events include Caminos Distintos y Voces Femininas, a discussion on March 6 by female artists on the subject of the influence of Barela and Gonzales. And finally, on May 3, is the WPA 75th Anniversary Celebration and Community Day.

 

Caminos Distintos
Patrocinio Barela and Edward Gonzales in New Mexico
Feb. 22 through Aug. 10
Opening reception:
6-8p, Fri., Feb. 22
Gallery hours:
10a-5p, Tue.-Sun.
National Hispanic Cultural Center Art Museum
1701 4th SW, 246.2261
nhccnm.org

 

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