Andrea Ortiz

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

MA Project - Open Access

Project Type

MA Project - Curatorial Proposal

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Art Business

First Advisor

Betsy Thomas

Second Advisor

Morgan Falconer

Abstract

Tradition Reimagined explores the dynamic intersection of traditional Mexican craftsmanship and contemporary art, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Mexico while embracing innovative artistic practices. This exhibition brings together an extraordinary collaboration between Mexican artisans, whose ancestral techniques have been passed down through generations, and contemporary artists who reinterpret these traditions through a modern lens. Hosted at Galería Kurimanzutto’s Chelsea space in New York, the exhibition highlights the importance of preserving artisanal practices in an era where immediacy and mass production threaten their sustainability. Artisans from regions such as Oaxaca, Jalisco, Chiapas, and Puebla bring their expertise in weaving, ceramics, wood carving, onyx craftsmanship and textiles, infusing each piece with deep cultural significance and sustainable practices. Alongside them, contemporary artists—including Bárbara SánchezKane, Mario Garcìa Torres, Ana Segovia, José Dávila, Pia Camil, and Gabriel de la Mora—draw inspiration from these traditional methods, creating works that reflect the enduring relevance of Mexican cultural identity in the global art world. The dialogue between tradition and innovation is central to this exhibition. Through carefully curated pairings of contemporary artworks and artisanal pieces, Tradition Reimagined emphasizes the mutual influence and respect shared between these two creative worlds. Sánchez-Kane’s textile-based works, crafted in collaboration with artisans from Chiapas, and Segovia’s vibrant paintings enhanced by artisans’ contributions from Guadalajara, exemplify how traditional techniques can inspire new narratives. Similarly, Dávila’s use of construction refuse and local materials, paired with Oaxacan artisans’ hand-carving techniques, underscores the role of sustainability and resourcefulness in both art and craft. Beyond aesthetic appreciation, Tradition Reimagined invites viewers to consider the social and economic importance of supporting artisans in Mexico. For many communities, artisanship is not only a form of cultural preservation but also a vital source of income. By fostering collaborations between contemporary artists and artisans, this exhibition advocates for the continuation of these practices, ensuring they are passed down to future generations. In choosing Kurimanzutto as the venue, Tradition Reimagined acknowledges the gallery’s pivotal role in promoting Mexican contemporary art on an international stage. Its Chelsea space offers an ideal setting to celebrate the dialogue between past and present, tradition and modernity, and Mexico’s vibrant artistic legacy. Through this exhibition, Tradition Reimagined seeks to challenge perceptions of what defines art and craft, creating a space where both are equally revered. It is a tribute to the skill, creativity, and resilience of Mexican artisans and artists, and an invitation to reimagine tradition as a living, evolving expression of cultural identity.

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