-Courtesy of En Route Marketing
photo by Mark Markey
Born and raised in the border city of El Paso, Texas, Mexican-American artist George Rodriguez creates large-scale decorative ceramic sculptures influenced by his heritage and community. Beginning July 21 and continuing through September 10, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens hosts his latest show, In Unison.
The exhibition features work bridging the past and present through symbols and imagery tied to Rodriguez’s personal histories, collaboration, and community. Visitors can view grand guardian figures, tomb sculptures, and shrines that depict his community members as ancient relics. Many of the works are inspired by peers, leading to a collaborative process where Rodriguez creates ceramic sculptures and invites those artists to paint them using their own techniques. In Unison features collaborative works alongside pieces created by long-term relationships influencing his practice. The large scale of these sculptures encourages community building by showcasing celebration and personal connections. Works from In Unison are available for purchase here.
George Rodriguez earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in ceramics from the University of Texas El Paso and his Master of Fine Arts from the University of Washington. Rodriguez traveled the world as a recipient of a Bonderman Travel Fellowship in 2010. His work is found in various permanent collections, including the National Mexican Museum of Art in Chicago, the Renwick Gallery at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the National Museum of Sweden.
ABOUT PHILADELPHIA’S MAGIC GARDENS:
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens (PMG) is an immersive mixed media art environment that is completely covered with mosaics. The creator, Isaiah Zagar, used handmade tiles, bottles, bicycle wheels, mirror, and international folk art to chronicle his life and influences. The exploratory space is made up of two indoor galleries and a bi-level outdoor sculpture garden. As a nonprofit museum, PMG celebrates art in its many forms through community outreach, public programs, hands-on activities, exhibitions, and tours. We welcome everyone to explore the space and embrace the possibility of self-expression.
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