Marie Pauls
Latino Art Fair with Rodrigo Carapia and Issis Macias: New exhibit celebrates Mexican culture
February 23, 2023
The images are what I remember, and the colors are what she remembers.
As you stroll past Overture’s State Street windows, you may notice something different this week. Visible from the sidewalk, the pearly white hallway leading to the Rotunda lobby is popping with vibrant colors that cut through the gray Wisconsin winter. Now through March 12, as a facet of the 9th annual Latino Art Fair, passersby are invited to take a closer look at our Rotunda Gallery exhibit “Bajo el Mismo Cielo,” in English, “Under the Same Sky.”
The exhibit features collaborative paintings by Madison artists Issis Macias and Rodrigo Carapia, whose very distinct styles are unified by their shared Mexican heritage. Macias’ abstract works speak both to and from the emotions with bold, contrasting hues. Highly textured acrylics and oil pastels catch the light, sparking the imagination. Carapia creates equally colorful works with imagery that celebrates the rich culture of Mexico. In a spirit akin to Diego Rivera, his intricate works highlight the everyday human experience through natural forms such as corn and flowers with overarching themes of family and community.
“It’s not hard to have inspiration when I grew up in a very cultural city,” says Carapia.
Carapia, originally from Mexico City, moved to Madison 16 years ago, and has since established a strong artistic network and recognition. He began painting at the age of 12 through mural projects with his family. Traditional components of Mexican life, both contemporary and ancient, dominate his works. From mariachi and masked luchadores (wrestlers) to embellished skulls and Aztec symbolism, resilience is a common thread, and Carapia serves as an ambassador for his homeland.
Macias, a first generation Mexican-American, grew up in Los Angeles in a predominantly Hispanic community. One of five daughters, her parents nourished their cultural roots with a “full-on” Mexican upbringing, speaking Spanish in the home and regularly traveling back to visit relatives in their native country. Her scholastic and professional life was grounded in the United States, however. With a lifelong sense of dual identity, she enjoyed a fruitful public service career, specializing in water resources management. When she moved to Wisconsin in 2016, the Midwest culture shock left her longing for connection with the Latinx community. The stars aligned when she met Carapia through the local art scene, and the two kindred spirits bonded through their common culture.
“I had this vision of Rodrigo in Mexico and me in L.A, doing our thing under the same sky. Then, coming to Madison and our paths converging, and we’re still under the same sky,” says Macias.
On a leap of faith, and as a “test run” for a potential collaboration, Macias provided Carapia with two painted canvases. The works resonated with Carapia, and atop the pre-existing foundation of color and texture, he independently layered his own designs in simple black lines.
“It was a challenge because I love to put color in my paintings but also exciting because normally I am very detailed with the colors. She can do something that I normally don’t do,” says Carapia.
It soon became clear that the artists were well-suited for a joint venture. In preparation for the official collaboration, they discussed the elements that reminded them of Mexico, from regional styles of art to quintessential colors and symbols.
“I sat with the memories, the things that are so iconic…the piñatas…the wrestlers! Costumes so elaborate and extravagant…and then the simplicity of calla lilies,” Macias explains.
And yet, each artist has a separate role in the creative process. Macias paints intuitively, laying the groundwork on canvas, a vivid backdrop for Carapia’s detailed dimension. Memories and emotions stirred up by the colors and textures inspire the specific imagery.
“The images are what I remember, and the colors are what she remembers,” says Carapia.
Each painting has a special meaning. For example, “Amor” depicts maternal love with a human heart at the base from which the family grows, surrounded by flowers. The shocks of magenta evoke the love that Macias feels for her own daughter. Flowers, while familiar scenery, also portray a way of life and a means of survival for market vendors.
As a reference, visitors can see individual works by Carapia and Macias vis-à-vis their collaborative paintings. Both artists have been previously featured at the Latino Art Fair, however this is their first time exhibiting long term in Overture’s galleries. They are proud to showcase their work alongside other Latinx artists and represent their community on this platform.
“I try to bring in the (Latinx) community and make them feel welcome in places like this,” says Carapia, “For me it is important that they come and enjoy the gallery.”
“We are very grateful to Overture and to LOUD (Latinos Organizing for Understanding and Development) for giving us this opportunity,” says Macias, “I hope it inspires people to contemplate their own journeys, memories, experience, and maybe learn a little more about Mexico.”
Overture also invites you to learn more through an immersive cultural extravaganza on Friday, March 3 from 5:30-7:30pm. The is free and open to the public, with booths featuring 15 artists from across South Central Wisconsin, including Macias and Carapia. From photography and jewelry to paintings and pottery, visitors can purchase original art and chat with the creators in person. A feast for both the eyes and ears, guests will enjoy a free marimba performance by Eric De Los Santos, followed by a ticketed concert featuringJuan de Marcos Afro-Cuban All Stars in Overture Hall.
