OPENS THIS SATURDAY
During 1st Saturday Artwalk 6-10pm
February 3, 2024
The Mextasy Circus of Desmadres:
Naranja County Edition
February 3-March 2, 2024
“Mextasy: Seductive Hallucinations of Latina/o Mannequins Prowling the American Unconscious” stands as a vibrant testament to the creative vision of Chicano artist William “Memo” Nericcio. Curated by Nericcio and Guillermo Nericcio García, the traveling exhibition emerged from the pages of Nericcio’s acclaimed 2007 book, “Tex[t]-Mex: Seductive Hallucinations of the Mexican in America.”
Rooted in the Chicano experience, Mextasy boldly confronts and redefines stereotypes of Mexicans pervasive in American mass culture. Nericcio, primarily known as a writer, unveils his artistic persona as Guillermo Nericcio García, reflecting the duality of his identity, hailing from the border town of Laredo, Texas.
Beyond showcasing racist artifacts, Mextasy introduces the concept of “xicanosmotic” art, featuring creations by Mexican-American artists like Raul Gonzalez III, Perry Vasquez, Rafaella Suarez, and Izel Vargas. Their works vividly embody the fusion of Mexican and U.S. borderlands, challenging and reshaping perceptions.
Mextasy serves not only as an exploration of Mexican culture but as a dynamic representation of Chicano identity and resilience. Nericcio’s transition from a writer to a Chicano artist further enriches the narrative, as he draws on his childhood passion for drawing and challenges the dehumanizing portrayals of Mexicans in American visual culture.
As Mextasy travels to galleries, universities, and cultural centers, it continues to amplify the voices of Chicano artists, offering a thought-provoking and visually compelling perspective on cultural identity and representation within the American landscape.
Artist’s Talk & Mezcal Reception2pm Saturday, February 10th
Moderated by Gustavo Arellano
This exhibition is supported in part by LibroMobile Arts Cooperative and free to the public. For more details, email libromobile@gmail.com.
