Drawing on ancestral knowledge of natural materials and a family legacy of treadle loom weaving, Zapotec-American artist Porfirio Gutiérrez creates works that communicate contemporary experiences. Join us for a special evening with Gutiérrez, featuring a talk by the multidisciplinary textile artist exploring the cultural heritage and knowledge of nature behind his art. The talk will be followed by a display of his functional work (table centerpieces, rugs, and wall hangings, some available for purchase), open until 7:30 PM.
With an unlimited palette of natural colors, Gutiérrez departs from traditional woven motifs, redefines Zapotec creative language, and explores the complexity of the Americas today. During this special evening, he’ll share his heritage and the cultural significance of the natural materials used in his work, as well as its natural history—such as how acidity affects color when dying with cochineal insects, and the importance of the insect’s life cycle in harvesting for dye.