Article originally posted by Gonzaga University News Service.
SPOKANE, Wash. – The Jundt Art Museum at Gonzaga University is featuring “Crafting Identity: Masks and the Pastorela in Michoacán,” an exhibition of hand-carved masks, outfit ensembles, and photographs of the ceremonial dances (pastorelas) staged during the community fiesta held in the village of Tocuaro, in the state of Michoacán, Mexico. The display runs through Jan. 14 (2017) in the museum’s Arcade Gallery.
The exhibition presents more than 30 masks, carved by Felipe Horta and others from the Tocuaro region in Michoacán, which is well known for its artists and the beautifully carved and colorfully painted masks produced there. The display features devil, trickster and other masks from the pastorela and related regional performances.
The exhibition was arranged and curated by Pavel Shlossberg, assistant professor of communication and leadership studies at Gonzaga, and includes masks from a variety of collectors.
Exploring and documenting the interplay between tradition and innovation, the display centers on the pastorela of the “Shepherd’s Tale,” a venerable drama and morality tale about Christian faith, the temptations of sin, and the rewards of salvation.
“It was introduced in New Spain in the 16th century by Catholic missionaries,” says Shlossberg, “and continues to be performed during festival days in many indigenous and other communities throughout Mexico.”
Fictional and real-life celebrities from the mass media are commonly reimagined and cast into traditional roles as comic foils and tricksters, false prophets and idols that attempt to distract, deceive and corrupt the shepherds. Pastorelas allow actors in Mexico’s indigenous communities to express social and political views in the context of religious performance. The flexibility inherent in the performance of the pastorela makes it lasting, relevant, and an accessible part of Mexican culture.
The free public lecture “Masks” by artist/carver Felipe Horta, will begin at 4 p.m., Friday, Nov. 4 in the Jundt Auditorium, followed by a free public reception until 7 p.m. The Jundt Art Museum will remain open until 9 p.m. for First Friday.
Please visit the Jundt Art Museum website for a full schedule of events and lectures:www.gonzaga.edu/jundt.
Shlossberg’s recent book “Crafting Identity” includes more information about the masking arts in Michoacán.
The Jundt Art Museum’s exhibitions are free and open to the public from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday; closed Sundays and University holidays. For more information call (509) 313-6843 or visit www.gonzaga.edu/jundt. To arrange a docent-guided tour, please call Karen Kaiser, curator of education, at (509) 313-6613.