A colorful celebration of Mexika culture, identity, and empowerment through dance and movement is on display at Mohr Gallery. CSMA is pleased to present the work of Bay Area artist Elizabeth Jiménez Montelongo featuring impasto paintings from her series “The Euphoric Dance of the Unconquered Mind.”
Elizabeth is a visual artist, poet, and facilitator based in the Bay Area. Her work is influenced by her Indigenous Mesoamerican ancestry, Mexika (Aztec) artwork and philosophy, Mexican culture, Raza history, and her experiences as an Indigenous Mexican Chicana woman. Her work addresses themes of identity, transformation, and empowerment and has been exhibited across the United States.
“The subject and style of my art promotes balance, unity, justice, collaboration, and healing through connection,” Elizabeth shares on her website. “My connection with my Indigenous heritage began when I moved from my hometown, Petaluma, California, to San José, California. I was introduced to Mexika ceremonial dance circles in the community. I have participated in traditional Mexika dance ceremonies, including in San José and at Alcatraz Island during Unthanksgiving, honoring Indigenous people and the reclaiming of Alcatraz Island in 1969. Over a decade ago, I began painting the oil on canvas series of Mexika dancers, The Euphoric Dance of the Unconquered Mind.
“The Euphoric Dance of the Unconquered Mind” features textured oil paintings of Mexika dancers that exude movement, energy, and power to celebrate the continued tradition of Indigenous dance ceremony. To create the work, she crops and combines her own photographs of dancers in movement and renders the composition on canvas, applying paint with a palette knife for a thick impasto.
At a recent reception for the artist, the cultural inspiration for her collection was presented. Kalpulli Kiaketzalli, a community dance group, presented a traditional Aztec dance.
In addition to her artwork, she is also an accomplished poet. Here’s an excerpt from her poem, titled Revelations (2017):
Revelations
The illusions were weaved
Before I floated in the darkness.
As I drifted through the fog,
The rules were made,
The limits set,
The boundaries marked.
It would be foolish to
Question them–
I know they’re wrong.
The light is bright
When the illusions are revealed.
Culture and tradition are woven through all of Elizabeth’s work. It represents an acknowledgment of the living culture-keepers who preserve and practice Indigenous traditions in the 21st century, across social and political borders. The vibrantly colored paintings celebrate continued existence and strength of Indigenous people, mental liberation, and honor her Indigenous ancestors who live on through these traditions.
The exhibit will be on display through March 24.
By TaLeiza Calloway-Appleton
Featured Artwork by Elizabeth Jiménez Montelongo
Photos by Pedro Lopez
