adrian esparza weaves and nails serape threads to the wall

adrian esparza weaves and nails serape threads to the wall
wake and wonder, 2013
serape and nails
image © designboom

with his new work commissioned by the pérez art museum in miami, texas-based artist adrian esparza addresses his experience as a mexican-american raised on the border of the neighboring lands. his exhibited piece ‘wake and wonder’ is formed from a serape blanket — a traditional craft object from mexico — pulled apart at its threads and rewoven around nails hammered into the walls of the gallery it occupies. the engaging linear structure creates multi-dimensional, vibrantly colored layers within the space. esparza considers this installation as an evolving self-portrait; the long shawls represent a tradition, and a cultural identity, which has been displaced or lost from its site of origin. at the same time, the geometric patterning and materials of the mounted wall-piece recall macrame and other handcrafts from the artist’s childhood. the artwork is part of the exhibition ‘americana: formalizing craft’ from now until may 2015.

the serape blanket pulled apart at its threads
image © designbooom

a detail of the work strung along the walls of the pérez art museum
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colorful verticals and horizontals along the wall
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close-up view
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visitors interact with the encompassing artwork within the space
image © designboom