José Villalobos

In the Reflection of Memory

November 2 - December 28

In the Reflection of Memory is an exhibition that showcases both new and existing works by artist José Villalobos, inviting viewers to engage with his creative vision in a multifaceted manner. The pieces within this exhibition are not merely visual artifacts; they embody a deeper element of reflection—both physically and metaphorically. 

In his recent works, Villalobos has taken a particular interest in using mirrors as a material, which adds layers of meaning to the pieces. Mirrors, traditionally associated with self-reflection and perception, become tools for interaction, compelling the audience to not only observe but also to participate in the narrative that unfolds within the artwork. This dynamic transforms the viewing experience, as visitors find themselves inserted into Villalobos’s world, prompting a contemplative dialogue about identity, memory, and shared experience. 

The exhibition creates a unique space where empathy and complicity intertwine. As the audience engages with the works, their own reflections—both literal and metaphorical—serve to shape their understanding of the themes at play. Are they merely passive observers, or do they become active participants in the stories that are told? The viewer's own emotional responses and interpretations will ultimately determine their role in this immersive experience. 

In this way, In the Reflection of Memory invites a collective exploration of how we perceive ourselves and others within the tapestry of memory and experience. 

En la Reflexión del Machismo 1, 2024 Mirror aluminum composite panels, 48 x 23 in. each 

En la Reflexión del Machismo 3, 2024 Mirror aluminum composite panels, 48 x 19 in. each 

¿Eres? (#3), 2024 acrylic mirror, horse bit, rope, leather. 19 x 60 x 4 in. 

En la Reflexión del Machismo 2, 2024 Mirror aluminum composite panels 38 x 47 in. 

En la Reflexión del Machismo 4, 2024 Mirror aluminum composite panels 48 x 27.5 in. 

Donde Pisa Lobo Maricón, 2024 Performance video 7 m: 20 s. Edition 1 of 3 

Isaac Díaz

A Través/Through

November 2 - December 28

A través/Through references to Día de La Cruz, a Salvadoran holiday celebrated on May 3rd. This holiday finds its roots in the Pipil culture, honoring the earth and the rainy season to come.  

Pipiles pray and hope for a bountiful harvest and give thanks for the life they have been provided. Similarly, Día de los muertos in Mexico celebrates the lives and achievements of ancestors. Both holidays use fruits and flowers to honor spiritual beings, all being gifts of the earth. 

With his Salvadoran ancestry as a point of reference, Diaz explores ideas of returning and life cycles. As rain comes back to nourish crops, it may not provide enough water. While the dead come back to us in November, they may still feel far away. Nature destroys but life grows again; humanity spirals out of control, yet it could come to a place of peace.  

It is through ancient ancestral customs that Diaz sees the upcoming of Latinx art outside of Latin America. For Diaz, looking to the past guides us to the coming times.

A Tráves/Through, 2024 Mixed media, ceramic Variable 

Jaime Acker

Poser

November 2 - December 28

In POSER, I use the language of portraiture to amplify the contrast between masculine and feminine in my body’s appearance. The nature of portraiture is to empower its subjects and these images do so as I “play myself.” This phrase comes from the book “Halsted Plays Himself” by William E. Jones about Fred Halsted, a gay porn filmmaker from the ’70s. Halsted made “L.A. Plays Itself”, a film that Jones described as an ironic inversion of porn that hardly functions as porn. For this reason, the film is seen as a masterpiece of gay porn and cinema itself. This inversion is my inspiration to play myself, layer my face and body with makeup and disguise to upend my appearance. “Poser” is a derogatory slang term that describes someone who is pretending to be something they are not. My purpose is to use the language of self-portraiture to reverse, twist, invert and mold this definition into something empowering.   

Self Portrait Blue Polka Dot Scarf, Archival Ultrachrome Print from 4x5 Negative6.5" x 5.25"2021

Self Portrait with Hot Pink Pattern Dress Detail #1, Archival Ultrachrome Print from 120 Negative6.5" x 6.5"2021

Self Portrait in Pink Panties, Archival Ultrachrome Print from 4x5 Negative6.5" x 5.25"2021