Reflections en Estambre

Oct 28, 2020
Tubbs Gallery Opening reception: Friday, October 2, 2020 (5 – 7pm). Artist Statement For this exhibition, Loza share’s the various ARTE en ESTAMBRE pieces that capture the environment in his Arboles (Trees series); his love of sea-side communities (from La Sirena series); and mixed media artwork from his contemporary/abstract Hombre de las Estrellas (Man of the Stars) series.  Through his art, Loza wants to create opportunities for viewers of all ages to gain more nuanced understanding of Mexican cultural traditions; his reflections on our environment; his interpretations on Huichol spirituality; and contemporary themes of multicultural communities and families. Loza sees his work as a form of artistic diplomacy between the United States, Mexico, and beyond. Artist Bio Originally from Mexico and now based in Baltimore,  Francisco Loza creates Arte de Estambre, or pressed yarn art by working on wood surfaces that he covers in a combination of waxes (found only in Mexico) that he mixes together and uses as an adhesive base. Onto these waxed wooden bases, Loza intricately presses, cuts, and shapes yarn into original artwork of multiple colors, sizes, depths, and themes.  His work reflects a myriad of concepts including the environment, markets, sea-side communities, abstract, immigration, families, among others. Loza’s original art also highlights his interpretations of Mexican cultural traditions and Huichol communities based on his first-hand experience of collaborating with Huichol artisans in Mexico for over twenty years. The artist uses mixed media with chaquira (small beaded pieces) that he embeds into his original yarn artwork. Using a technique that requires skill, patience, and creativity, Loza wants people to see textures and movement in his pieces. He has led workshops for students and teachers of all ages and skill levels in Mexico and the United States. His workshops are dynamic, and he makes connections between culture and art that evoke the “ah-ha” moment — when people can see up close as to how he creates his unique, profound artwork. Loza’s pieces are featured at the American Visionary Art Museum, Migration Policy Institute (MPI) and the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC. Image: Transciendo, 2017, Arte en Estambre (pressed yarn) with chaquira (beaded pieces), 36 x 28. Venue: Rehoboth Art League.
Reflections en Estambre