Performance artist and photographer Monica Villarreal explains the title of her latest exhibit, “Texas Red Road Project,” like this: “If you’re involved in the Native American traditions, you’re walking a red road; it’s a red road for the red people.” The photographs include a sepia-toned portrait called El Jefe de San Antonio, which depicts a man wearing an elaborate, ceremonial, feathered headdress. Another image, Untitled, shows a woman wearing a brightly colored costume and large feathered headdress. Her face is painted with a pink stripe and small black dots, and a flat, white bone is pushed through her nose. The overall effect is startling. Villarreal, a member of the Mexika people, has been photographing Native American individuals, groups and ceremonies throughout the state. “I don’t think that a lot of people in Texas are aware that these events are going on in Texas,” she tells us, “and I wanted to show the culture is very much alive.” 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays. Through November 13. Spacetaker Artist Resource Center, 2101 Winter Street Studio, B11. For information, call 713-868-1839 or visit www.spacetaker.org. Free.
Wednesdays-Fridays. Starts: Oct. 22. Continues through Nov. 13, 2010
This article appears in Oct 28 – Nov 3, 2010.