PRINTMAKING MATTERS -BIENNIAL 2024
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Garabatos De Historias
Garabatos de Historias” showcases Rolando Rojas's unparalleled skill. Through the intricate strokes of printmaking, the master brings Oaxaca's rich history to life. Experience a fusion of tradition and innovation in an exhibition celebrating vivid tales of heritage with each masterful print.The exhibit "Garabatos de Historias" features a unique printmaking collection by Rolando Rojas, masterfully crafted using diverse techniques such as lithography, etching, metal engraving, silkscreen, woodcut, collography, and mixed media. Rojas presents a mystical dialogue with his characters, adding depth and intrigue to his work in this magnificent medium.
Curator : Maria Chevez
On View
June 1 – June 30 2024
OPEN STUDIO
Date: June 1 • Time: 2:00 TO 7:00 PM
Silver Street Studios
OAXACA SERRANO GALLERY - 315
Oaxaca has a rich artistic history. Rolando is part of the latest generation built upon the foundations of renowned Oaxacan artists such as Rufino Tamayo, Francisco Toledo, Rodolfo Nieto, and Rodolfo Morales. He actively collaborates with the newest generation of Oaxacan artists, expanding the traditions and legacy established by these giants.
Rolando Rojas, an esteemed Oaxacan artist, has mesmerized the art world with his unparalleled printmaking style, reflecting his deep-rooted Oaxacan heritage. Originating from Tehuantepec, a city in Oaxaca, Mexico, Rojas's work fuses traditional motifs and narratives with contemporary artistic techniques and themes, a truly one-of-a-kind blend.
HISTORY OF OAxacan Printmaking
Printmaking in Oaxaca is a historically rich artistic tradition that reflects a unique blend of indigenous cultures, colonial influences, and contemporary innovation. This art form has played a significant role in Oaxaca’s cultural, political, and social life, becoming integral to its artistic identity.
The history of Oaxacan printmaking begins long before the Spanish conquest. Indigenous groups in Oaxaca, such as the Zapotecs and Mixtecs, had a tradition of carving reliefs on stone. Before the introduction of printmaking, ancient civilizations in Mexico used wood to create art. The arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century significantly impacted indigenous art. They had introduced European printmaking techniques, such as woodcuts and engravings. The conquistadors used these techniques for religious purposes to spread the Christian doctrine amongst the indigenous population.
The 20th century marked a revival and transformation in Oaxacan printmaking, much of it influenced by Mexico’s broader cultural and political changes of the Mexican Revolution. Artists began using printmaking as a means of artistic expression and as a tool for social and political commentary. This period saw the emergence of the Taller de Gráfica Popular (TGP) in Mexico City profoundly influenced Oaxacan artists. Rufino Tamayo, an Oaxacan native, promoted modern printmaking techniques within Oaxaca and beyond. Though not directly affiliated with the TGP, his work incorporated Indigenous motifs and colors, blending them with modernist aesthetics. Tamayo’s influence helped establish Oaxaca as a center for artistic innovation in printmaking.
Today, Oaxaca remains a vital center for printmaking in Mexico, known for its dynamic community of artists and workshops. Contemporary Oaxacan printmakers, such as Francisco Toledo and Damián Flores, continue to innovate while respecting the traditional roots of their craft. Through prints, these artists often explore local history, indigenous rights, and global cultural exchanges. Oaxacan printmaking has gained international recognition, attracting artists worldwide to learn and collaborate with local printmakers. The region’s printmaking workshops, such as the Instituto de Artes Gráficas de Oaxaca (IAGO) and the Taller Arte Papel Oaxaca, founded by Francisco Toledo, play crucial roles in preserving the craft’s traditional techniques while promoting experimental approaches.
Oaxacan printmaking is a testament to the region’s ability to adapt and evolve its artistic traditions. From its indigenous roots to its modern expressions, Oaxacan printmaking continues to be a powerful medium for cultural expression and social engagement, reflecting the spirit and challenges of its people.
THE LEGACY OF ROLANDO ROJAS ON OAXACAN PRINTMAKING
Rolando Rojas, an esteemed Oaxacan artist, has mesmerized the art world with his unparalleled printmaking style, reflecting his deep-rooted Oaxacan heritage. Originating from Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, Mexico, Roja’s work fuses traditional motifs and narratives with contemporary artistic techniques and themes.
Rojas studied at the School of Fine Arts in Oaxaca, where he was influenced by the rich artistic culture of the region, particularly its strong traditions in painting and printmaking. His works often feature the vibrant colors and intricate designs characteristic of Oaxacan art but with a distinct personal touch that has defined his career. Universal themes of fertility, sensuality, music, and recurring motifs, such as the cosmos, the sun, and the moon, are hallmarks of his work.
Rojas is known for his mastery of various printmaking techniques, including lithography, etching, and linocut. His prints frequently depict scenes from daily life in Oaxaca and mythological figures. Rojas’ bold colors and dynamic compositions bring these themes to life, creating powerful visual narratives that bridge the past and present.
Through his art, Rolando Rojas acts as a cultural ambassador for Oaxaca, showcasing the richness of its traditions and the creativity of its people. His prints not only celebrate the beauty of Oaxacan culture but also challenge viewers to consider the more profound stories and meanings behind the images. As such, he influences the ongoing evolution of printmaking in Oaxaca, ensuring that this age-old art form remains relevant and vibrant in the contemporary art world. As a significant contemporary artist, Rolando Rojas prepares to unveil his latest printmaking collections in Houston. This exhibition, a testament to the enduring heritage and dynamic creativity that characterizes Oaxacan art, is a must-see for printmaking enthusiasts and those interested in Mexican cultural expression. It promises a unique and enriching experience, offering a glimpse into the evolution of Oaxacan printmaking.
Oaxaca has a rich artistic history. Rolando is part of the latest generation built upon the foundations of renowned Oaxacan artists such as Rufino Tamayo, Francisco Toledo, Rodolfo Nieto, and Rodolfo Morales. He actively collaborates with the newest generation of Oaxacan artists, expanding the traditions and legacies established by these giants.
SILVER STREET STUDIOS
OAXACA SERRANO GALLERY - 315
Special Guest: Rebeca Serrano
Mexican artist studied for a bachelor’s degree in visual arts at the Autonomous University of Queretaro. Her work focuses on themes of identity, overcoming challenges, and the psychosocial environment of the Mexican community, using elements of nature. These are managed as a correlation between life and the energy a person possesses. She has participated in collective exhibitions in the states of Queretaro, Oaxaca, and Zacatecas, and in biennials such as the VI National Biennial of Graphic Arts "Shinzaburo Takeda" and the Second Central-Western Prize for Painting, Sculpture, and Engraving "José and Tomás Chávez Morado."
View Rebeca Serrano’s Catalogue
Presented by
The Mexican Cultural and Tourism Institute and Serrano Gallery
CONTACT US
+1 713 204-6560
valentina@serranogallery.com
LOCATION
VISIT US IN SILVER STREET STUDIOS
Serrano Gallery (#317) + Oaxaca Serrano Gallery and Rolando Rojas Gallery Houston (#315)
2000 Edwards St. Houston, TX. 77007
GALLERY HOURS
Saturday: 12 PM - 5 PM
AND BY APPOINTMENT