MG -- LAS MOMIAS DE GUANAJUATO
Friday June 8 - Sunday July 1, 2001
Opening Reception, June 8 at 8:30 pm

The Mummies of Guanajuato are paired with living "counterparts" in an exhibition of oil paintings by American artist, MG, opening at 8:30pm on Friday June 8 at the Galería Arte Moderno de Guadalajara.

The exhibition entitled Las Momias de Guanajuato includes Las Momias; a series of six portraits of The Mummies of Guanajuato paired with portraits of their living "counterparts," and four related Mexican landscapes.

MG began painting the mummies' portraits following a deeply moving visit to Mexico's beloved Museo de Las Momias in December 1999. While painting, she contemplated who they might have been and what their lives were like. The more she painted the more she noticed similarities between her friends and acquaintances and the mummies.

MG explains, "Even knowing the 'facts' of these mummies' lives; where they lived, where they worked, their family history, how they died...their essence is still far from reach. The living visages are a reflection of that; the impossibility of knowing a soul during life, and the deepening ambiguities after death."

The mummies' portraits are painted in a compelling style that combines expressionism and realism. The most abstract of the mummies is paired with the most realistic of the living portraits - in a painting that exudes warmth. A mummy appearing frozen in his moment of death is paired with a chilling rendition of how MG imagines his last gasp for air. One of the counterparts is a self-portrait of the artist being hung by a noose.

"My self-portrait was the last painting of the pairs to be completed. I had always seen the mummy as laughing at death before her time; and laughing with death at us after her demise. I planned to paint myself laughing, but something was missing, both from the painting and the series. The series needed a representation of a human's capacity to commit suicide or homicide." -MG

The exhibition's contemplation of life, death, and existence is furthered by the inclusion of four striking Mexican landscapes. Door speaks about choices; within each decision there are myriad smaller options, and one is not able to see exactly where those choices will lead. The untitled seascape is a representation of nature's endurance and continuity through the passing of time. In the most abstract of the landscapes, MG says "Lightning is a reminder to myself that as much as I will my own destiny, chance is always there to have a say." Lastly, Tzintzuntzán is about the monuments we make for ourselves while we are here as reflections of our culture and the message they leave to future civilizations, even after we have passed.

Las Momias de Guanajuato marks the impressive beginning to the self-taught artist's career, who only first touched brush to canvas in 1998. In 1999 MG moved to Mexico from the United States. She continues to live and paint in Melaque, Jalisco. Las Momias de Guanajuato will be on exhibit until July 1, 2001.

Contact Information:

Galería Arte Moderno de Guadalajara
Mtro. Gustavo Alfredo Duarte Viveros
Phone: (country code 52) 36 16 32 66
Mariano Otero No. 375
Col, Moderna
Guadalajara, Jalisco 44150 Mexico

Artist's representative Jesse Lambdin:
Home phone in Mexico: (country code 52) 33 55 67 97 (This number will be active until October 2001, after that use e-mail.)
e-mail: jesse@gallerymg.com
http://www.gallerymg.com

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Read the first press release for the "Las Momias de Guanajuato" exhibition

Click here to view a photo of the Galería Arte Moderno

Comment on MG's work; sign the Guestbook, or write to:
jesse@gallerymg.com

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