roberto benavidez turns religious monsters into colorful piñatas

the work of roberto benavidez is on display at conduit gallery in dallas texas. the exhibit, illuminated piñata, features his second series of ornate latin paper sculptures. 

illuminated piñata no. 11. mixed media (paper mache, crepe paper, wire) 9 x 3 x 11′ 2018
all images courtesy of roberto benavidez

previous piñata sculptures by roberto benavidez were made in the likeness of creatures found in the 16th century, hieronymus bosch painting: the garden of earthly delights. this new series is based on the illuminated texts of medieval psalms, including the luttrell psalter (c. 1325-1335), the medieval bestiary (c. 1210-1220) and the book of hours (1410). back then, the monsters found within these texts acted as eerie warnings around the margin of the paper — reminding devoted readers what fate may be in store for those who stray from the illuminated words written within them. 

illuminated piñata no. 8. mixed media (paper mache, crepe paper, wire) 21 x 13 x 19′ 2018

benavidez has taken these monsters out of context and transformed them into beautiful 3-dimensional sculptures. by doing so, he raises many questions and contradictions in regards to religion, sexuality, beauty, and humor. his solo exhibition will be on display at conduit gallery in dallas, texas, until june 14, 2018.

illuminated piñata no. 5. mixed media (paper mache, crepe paper, wire) 21 x 9 x 20′ 2018

illuminated piñata no. 3 and no. 4. mixed media (paper mache, crepe paper, wire) 
(weasel) 16 x 3 x 9′ (basilisk) 24 x 12 x 22′ 2018

illuminated piñata no. 2. mixed media (paper mache, crepe paper, wire) 32 x 9 x 19′ 2017

illuminated piñata no. 7. mixed media (paper mache, crepe paper, wire) 16 x 10 x 20′ 2018

illuminated piñata no. 6. mixed media (paper mache, crepe paper, wire) 17 x 14 x 58′ 2018

illuminated piñata no. 1. mixed media (paper mache, crepe paper, wire) 39 x 13 x 12′ 2017

illuminated piñata no. 10. mixed media (paper mache, crepe paper, wire) 8 x 3 x 7′ 2018