THE IRONY OF THE SKELETONS:
NICOLÁS DE JESÚS' AMATES
OCTOBER 17-NOVEMBER 14, 2010
Nicolás De Jesús, a contemporary Mexican engraver and painter, creates engravings on amate paper, an ancient paper used by Pre-Columbian societies in making their painted manuscripts.
This focused exhibition features nearly 20 works of art by De Jesús depicting laughing skeletons that mock humans going about their daily lives--in the subway, at exhibition openings, in the streets--as well as several images of the Day of the Dead, celebrated on November 1 and 2 when the living gather around altars and cemeteries, awaiting the visit of deceased friends and family members.
De Jesús’ works reveals a deep political awareness of local and global issues such as transgenic agriculture, repression, migration and war. The artist also recognizes the work of Mexican engraver José Guadalupe Posada (1852-1913) as a major source of inspiration, both for the satirical aspects of his work and for his social engagement.
This exhibition is organized by Patrice Giasson, Associate Curator of the Art of the Americas, Neuberger Museum of Art.
