The five sculptures from Mata Ortiz, crafted by what are considered the best ceramists in the town, will be exhibited to over 35,000 people at a cultural event held in Chicago, United States.
The five giant spheres, designed by the top potters from the municipality of Juan Mata Ortiz, will be transported to the United States to participate in the “Week of Mexico in Chicago,” which will be held from May 2nd to May 5th of this year.
The Government of Chihuahua commented that the works were created thanks to the invitation from the Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago for the state to participate as an exhibitor at the Navy Pier Esplanade. It was also emphasized that Chihuahua will become the first northern state of the country to attend this cultural exhibition.
The creators of the 5 Mata Ortiz sculptures
These works were crafted by Héctor “Yeto” Gallegos Martínez, his wife Laura Bugarini Cota, Tati Eleno Ortiz, Diego Gerardo Valles Trevizo, and his wife Carla Martínez Vargas, considered the finest ceramists of Juan Mata Ortiz.
The 5 sculptures consist of three spheres with a diameter of 2 meters and two with a diameter of one meter, each featuring different figures and images alluding to the local culture. The artists mentioned that their creation took more than a thousand hours of work.
Due to logistical reasons and the large size of the spheres, it was impossible to make them with their clay base, as is commonly done with several Mata Ortiz sculptures, so fiberglass was used for transportation. However, what will matter for the exhibition is the design that each artist captured in these giant sculptures.
To ensure protection from external agents, the spheres were sealed to preserve their design for several years. Also, a ceremonial event was held to present the works and subsequently, they were loaded onto the truck that will transport them to the United States, bidding farewell to the rhythm of the music by the singer, Luk Vegas.
As special guests, the Private Secretary of the Governor, Fernando Álvarez Monge, the businessman Jared Jones in charge of promoting the artisan initiative, the five artisans responsible for creating the Mata Ortiz sculptures, and Catalina Bautista, a Rarámuri representative, attended.
They worked in secret for over a month
Once the government was invited to the event in Chicago, they approached the artists to collaborate on the project of the mega sculptures.
For nearly a month, the five artisans worked on the creation of these pieces,which will be unique due to their size and invaluable artistic value. They bear the most cherished marks from art events, including the Mata Ortiz Pottery Contest and national and international fairs. These sculptures represent icons of the state: the Rarámuri culture and ceramics.
Yeto Gallegos, the representative of the sculptors involved in the project, stated, “We feel very proud to be part of this, to represent our community and the entire state of Chihuahua. Let it be seen that we have quality, that we can compete.”
The cultural legacy of Chihuahua in Chicago
The Government of Chihuahua also considered showcasing icons of the state’s cultural heritage. Alongside the sculptures, they will also exhibit local artisanal products such as wines, textiles, sandals, jewelry, sweets, walnut-based products, and sotol for sale to the public. Additionally, there will be musical performances by the group Caballo Dorado.
