by Patricia Frischer
After seeing the expansive show of Eduardo Chillida Convergence at SDMA on the first floor and the intense detailed miniature work of Marianela de la Hoz and Marc Urselli: Palpitations with its soundscape on the second floor, then Alfredo Casteñeda: Beyond Surrealism in the next room is not really beyond surrealism, it lands you smack in the middle of this artist imagination inspired by Rene Magritte. The large photo portrait of this Mexican artist starts this show can be referenced as he used his own image in every conceivable scenarios of his convoluted dreams.
These 35 paintings shown for the first time in the USA, cover 50 years of the artists life (1938 – 2010). There is wit in the art and a very unusual patterning in many of the works which is quite contemporary. His smooth painting technique is reminiscent alter painting and it becomes difficult to place these works in time. But they are easily identifiable as a body of work because of his image in all of them.
What sets Casteñada apart is his overlying
attention to a religious fervency; Nuns, alters, sacrificial lambs. The connection
to Rasputin the Russian mystic and faith healer comes to mind, but maybe
because of the beard. Many of the canvases and images are fragmented or
repeated. Multiple personalities in one body or multiple bodies in one
personality….
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| Portrait of the Artist |
Alfredo Casteñeda: Beyond Surrealism
On view until March, 1, 2026
San
Diego Museum Of Art
1450 El Prado Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
Mon,
Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat 10AM - 5PM
Sunday Noon to 5, Wednesday Closed
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