The creative journey # 7,
March 23, 2007

Art talk and slideshow Wed, Mar 28, 5:30pm Teatro Santa Ana Biblioteca Pública Insurgentes 25 50 pesos

Agnes Olive presents two well known artists, Jo Brenzo and Keith Miller. The focus of the presentation continues to be “What inspires us to create, where do ideas come from and how do we manifest them into our work?”

Both artists will give slide presentations and talk about their personal creative journeys. A discussion between the artists and audience follows. Questions are greatly encouraged.

Jo Brenzo

Jo Brenzo grew up surrounded by the arts, married, had her children and began her formal studies at the age of 30. She majored in photography with a minor in printmaking at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee and studied with W. Eugene Smith and George Krause. From 1976 to 1979 she photographically documented many aspects of Mexico including San Miguel. Then a move to Germany resulted in a two-year project documenting people in their homes. The exhibition entitled “Germany at Home” was shown at the Instituto Allende. Back in San Miguel she continued her career as a photographer which now included hand-coloring of manipulated polaroid images.

In 1992 she became part of the Bellas Artes staff and three years later established the Academia de Fotografica. In 1998, she opened the Galeria de Arte Fotografica also in San Miguel.

For the past 10 years Jo has taken groups of artists to Oaxaca where she photographs the day of the dead and the radish festival. A consuming interest in Don Julián’s Island of the Dolls in Xochimilco has resulted in a recently published book, Island of the Dolls.

Her work has been included in many prestigious exhibitions throughout Latin America, Europe and the US.


Keith Miller

Keith, a native of Canada, moved to San Miguel in 1992 after extensive travels in Europe and Asia. Influenced by this new environment he began painting giant shells and native flowers. To quote Nancy Race in The Artful Mind his work is, “Sexual, seductive, erotic. The intense detail in Miller’s paintings creates the impression of incredible energy.” 

Keith began his life of travel when, at the age of 20, he went to sea on board several square-rigged sailing vessels. That early contact with the maritime world greatly influenced his later work. He will include in his presentation a series of slides which encompasses his seldom exhibited travel drawings as well as more recent studio paintings. He has been an instructor, a journalist, a lecturer as well as a highly acclaimed international artist. His recently published monograph “Close to Nature” contains state of the art reproductions of his botanical and landscape series.

His work is represented in San Miguel at the Generator Gallery at Fábrica la Aurora. Both artists will have their books on hand. The donation of 50 pesos goes to the girl’s orphanage Casa Hogar Don Bosco on calle Sollano.

Lecture

“Codex Mendoza”
Wed, Mar 28, 3pm
Teatro Santa Ana
Biblioteca Pública
Insurgentes 25
50 pesos

One of the most fascinating documents of the immediate post-conquest era in Mexico is the Aztec book known as the Codex Mendoza. Retired professor of humanities Guillermo Méndez will give an illustrated lecture (in English) on this interesting record of the past on Wednesday, February 14.

The codex was commissioned by the first viceroy of New Spain (Mexico), Antonio de Mendoza. It was made by Aztec scribes in the Aztec style of the early 16th century. Since the Aztecs had no written language, their books contained only images. Nevertheless, they were able to communicate a great deal, as the Codex Mendoza reveals. The codex was made at about the same time that San Miguel de Allende was founded: 1541–42.

With a little knowledge it is possible to “read” this document and gain considerable insight into the culture of the reigning indigenous power in central Mexico in the early 16th century. The codex contains sections on the history and conquests of the Aztec kings, the tax or tribute lists of conquered cities and, perhaps most interesting of all, a section on Aztec daily life, including birth ceremonies, marriage rites, child-rearing practices, education, warfare training, and moral customs.

Lecture

“Insiders Guide to Semana Santa” Wed, Mar 28, 5pm Sala Quetzal Biblioteca Pública Insurgentes 25 50 pesos

Insiders Guide to Semana Santa

Confused about how to navigate through all the events of Semana Santa? Unsure of what you want to experience? Curious about the meaning of what you are seeing? Concerned that you will arrive late and have a poor view? Wondering when to rest and when to go? Yearning to get behind the scenes and watch the preparations? 

Join Charlotte in the Sala Quetzal to get answers. Charlotte is a photographer and author of, Tears from the Crown of Thorns, a bilingual photographic, cultural and historical book on and about Semana Santa in San Miguel. Charlotte spent years taking photographs and collecting information for her book. Much of the lore came from interviews with local residents that have participated in the processions and other events all their lives. She tells you about the storeroom of angels for the Procession of Santo Enterro on Good Friday. You will learn about San Miguel’s very own saint maker. In the 1800s San Miguel was known as the “cradle” of saint makers because of its school for Santeros. You will find out what happened to the school and the struggle that ensued. And you will learn about the future of Santeros in Mexico. Various religious statues have an ancient history such as the figure of Ecce Homo who is over 300 years old. You will learn about his association as the rainmaker as he travels from church to chur
ch for 9 months of the year starting on Good Friday. The depth of your experience will increase as you gain knowledge of what you are observing.

From her extensive research she has devised a plan to guide you through the events. You will leave her talk with timetables and maps on the “what,” “where” and “when” of Semana Santa in San Miguel.

She’ll help you find the best place to stand and give you hints on how to deal with the sun. For photographers she’ll assist you in finding the ultimate spots for taking great photographs and explain procession etiquette.

Get the facts so you can get the most out of this extraordinary time in San Miguel. Augmenting her talk will be a slide show featuring photos from her book and many never seen by the public before. She will be signing and selling copies of her book Tears from the Crown of Thorns.