The MFA Thesis exhibitions of Augustine Chavez & Eric Ryberg, respectively. These two distinct exhibitions are on view within the Main Art Gallery simultaneously, exhibiting within separate areas within the space.
Above image left: Men of Steel, Augustine Chavez, oil on panel, 2020.
Above image right: Welding & Grinding detail, Eric Ryberg, wood, paper, ink, aluminum, steel, 2021.
Show Statement from Augustine Chavez
In this part of my life, as an artist, I am interested in making work that researches political issues. An issue that I find a great deal of importance is, the undocumented workers. This has become somewhat of a personal topic for me as well. It is interesting to me how our political leaders want to deport people who have crossed our boarders in search for work. Our political leaders say they are murders and thieves, but they are the ones who are doing the work to expand our societies. In my work I explore the void of contradiction that is within our societies by making art of the people, doing the job that is needed in order for our societies to thrive. The undocumented workers are the contributors to our societies. In my work, I want to show the viewer that these people are not murders and thieves but are hard working people doing the work America needs. I want the viewer to see the immigrant worker's contribution to our nation by depicting the physicality of the work they are doing. In viewing the work, I also want the viewer to leave with a different perception of the undocumented people working in our societies. Their labor and their energy is what makes America expand and grow. They build the roads we need to to drive on. They build the highways we need. They build the homes we live in. They build the buildings in our cities we use for businesses and entertainment. Estan aqui para trabajar! They are, the Undocumented Kinetic Energy.
Show Statement from Eric Ryberg
(W)here I Am uses mapping and cartographic techniques to create a visual representation of my personal experiences, environment, and identity. Addressing space, time, and motion, mapping and charting are tools that allow the visualization of forms of reality that may be nearly impossible to otherwise experience.
Exhibition Period
On view June 14 - June 25, 2021. Visitors to the gallery are strongly encouraged to follow policies regarding face coverings at UTSA found here.
Gallery Hours
Thursdays - Saturdays: 10 am until 3pm and by appointment.
This exhibition is free and open to the public.
We politely ask that appointment requests be made by email one week in advance to allow appropriate time to coordinate scheduling with Art Department Staff.
Questions
If you have any questions about this exhibition, please contact art.events@utsa.edu.
UTSA Main Art Gallery
Arts Building, 2.03.04
UTSA Main Campus
One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249.
