Dallas-based artist Giovanni Valderas incorporates Spanish idioms into piñata forms in an attempt to decipher the complex relationships between the US and Latin America.
The exhibition’s title piece, "Tradecraft," consists of an installation of 14 48-inch letters, spelling the phrase “QUIÉN LOS PARARÀ.” At first glance the phrase’s potentially pejorative meaning, which translates to “Who will stop them,” is subverted into a message of empowerment for Spanish speakers. QUIÉN LOS PARARÀ is intended to co-opt words of fear and transcend them into a positive message for the culturally marginalized. The installation appropriates the piñata form in an effort to transform its original identity in popular culture from one of mere birthday celebrations, to one of a cultural construct in an attempt to decipher the complex history between US and Latin America. Through this work, Valderas aims to engage viewers and provoke a sense of empathy.
Following the opening reception, the exhibit will be on display through November 19.
Dallas-based artist Giovanni Valderas incorporates Spanish idioms into piñata forms in an attempt to decipher the complex relationships between the US and Latin America.
The exhibition’s title piece, "Tradecraft," consists of an installation of 14 48-inch letters, spelling the phrase “QUIÉN LOS PARARÀ.” At first glance the phrase’s potentially pejorative meaning, which translates to “Who will stop them,” is subverted into a message of empowerment for Spanish speakers. QUIÉN LOS PARARÀ is intended to co-opt words of fear and transcend them into a positive message for the culturally marginalized. The installation appropriates the piñata form in an effort to transform its original identity in popular culture from one of mere birthday celebrations, to one of a cultural construct in an attempt to decipher the complex history between US and Latin America. Through this work, Valderas aims to engage viewers and provoke a sense of empathy.
Following the opening reception, the exhibit will be on display through November 19.
Dallas-based artist Giovanni Valderas incorporates Spanish idioms into piñata forms in an attempt to decipher the complex relationships between the US and Latin America.
The exhibition’s title piece, "Tradecraft," consists of an installation of 14 48-inch letters, spelling the phrase “QUIÉN LOS PARARÀ.” At first glance the phrase’s potentially pejorative meaning, which translates to “Who will stop them,” is subverted into a message of empowerment for Spanish speakers. QUIÉN LOS PARARÀ is intended to co-opt words of fear and transcend them into a positive message for the culturally marginalized. The installation appropriates the piñata form in an effort to transform its original identity in popular culture from one of mere birthday celebrations, to one of a cultural construct in an attempt to decipher the complex history between US and Latin America. Through this work, Valderas aims to engage viewers and provoke a sense of empathy.
Following the opening reception, the exhibit will be on display through November 19.