Fashioning an Icon and Across the Spooniverse at Mingei International Museum

by Patricia Frischer

Detail of Arianna Ytselle photograph of
the Virgin of Guadalupe on a fingernail

Fashioning an Icon at Mingei International Museum
 until Sept. 7

Linda Hanna, based in Oaxaca, Mexico gathered together  a collection of over 70 textiles, most of which are displayed in Fashioning an Icon at Mingei International Museum. Called the Rosas y Revelaciones Project, most were actually commissioned by Hanna and consist mainly of huipils - any loose fitting tunic, rebozo – a longer covering like a shawl as well as blankets and adornments (necklaces, shoes and purses) and some western clothing like heavily embroidered dresses and skirts. They are all contemporary works. 

What ties them together besides all being Mexican textiles, is that every one of them features the Virgin (Or Our Lady) of Guadalupe.  The wall text at the museum tells us that the “The Virgin of Guadalupe has been a subject of Catholic devotional practice and a muse of artistic expression in communities across Mexico for over 400 years.”

It is an impressive display of techniques including: weaving on a back strap loom, treadle loom, standing loom, open work stitching, crochet, embroidery, feather work, beading, palm weaving, and sequinning. This blend of Indigenous and European traditions reflects the history 0f Spain Colonization, which introduced Catholicism. But the Mexicans have made the Virgin their own. She now represents a positive sense of self and cultural pride both in the heritage of the country and in its present.
 
We were delighted again to see that three local artist were added to display.  The curated Ariana Torres, introduces us to Arianna Ytselle, the photographer with a slide show of San Diego and Tjuana images including one of her own legs with a tattoo of Our Lady. Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski from the San Diego sewing studio Sew Loka is the fashion designer of a wonderful jacket with Our Lady on the reverse, and  Diana Benavídez, a binational artist know for her work with piñatas has created the cape of Our Lady out of crepe paper with gold stars hanging in rest on a coat rack…maybe the Virgin of Guadalupe get the day off once in a while!
 
The miracle of The Virgin of Guadalupe is how she would appear in a vision. And the Vision is alive and well on this myriad of garments.  
 

Arianna Ytselle, standing with her slide show of images

'

Another detail of Arianna Ytselle's photograph

Arianna Ytselle's photo
of her own leg with Our Lady tattoo.

More of Arianna Ytselle photos. 

Rodríguez-Biezunski's short western style jacket

Diana Benavídez's Even Guadalupe Needs a Break

The following just a tiny part of images of huipils, rebozo, blankets and adornments (necklaces, shoes and purses) and some western clothing from the exhibition. From tiny singular to grand multiples...the Virgin reigns supreme. Apologies to the creators throughout Mexico for not identifying each one of you and congratulations on being displayed here. 

Detail of above:  artist used feathers
from her own birds, waxes them and
applies them with tweezers.  

Bedded bag

One of the few male garments on display

Odilón Castillo

The display outside the front door of the museum

Bonus event:
Revelations
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | 7:00pm
6:00 pm | Complimentary Pre-concert Champagne Reception and Gallery Viewing
7:00 pm | Concert
In partnership with Mingei International Museum, Art of Elan presents a colorful musical program that takes inspiration from the Fashioning an Icon exhibit featuring incredible handmade work by Mexican textile artists. With music composed by Gabriela Ortiz and Nico Muhly, as well as “In Memoriam” by Arnold Bax for English Horn, Harp and String Quartet, this highly imaginative program encourages reflection and a greater appreciation for the beauty that is all around us.

Across the Spooniverse at the Mingei
Until August 17

Spoons, spoons, spoons everywhere. From every county, in every medium, in every size. Over 100 are on display from the permanent collection of the Mingei.  I eat my morning yogurt from a silver spoon in my own ritual and these spoons all represent their own rituals…celebrations, work, or just play.  

Erica Moody has a display class of contemporary crafted spoons

Erica Moody

Spoon Ladle Dance Ladies from the Ivory Coast of Liberia

A view of the vast display

I though I would add one of my own spoon creations
 made while I was still in art school. It is partially painted cast bronze. 
Not in the Mingei collection.

Fashioning an Icon  until Sept 7
Across the Spooniverse until Aug 17
Mingei International Museum
1439 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, 92101
Opening Hours  Tues-Thur, Sat, Sun | 10am-5pm Fri | 10am-8pm 619-239-0003