UTSA Libraries exhibit showcases ‘Works from the Permanent Collection’ at the ITC

Jimmy Canales created’ “Popo Bronco” in 2012, using colorful Mexican zarape fabrics to outline a classic truck.

MARCH 24, 2023 — A new exhibit featuring artwork from the renowned UTSA Art Collection, will be on display at the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures. “The University of Texas at San Antonio Works from the Permanent Collection,” which will run from March 30, 2023, to January 29, 2024, includes works from 12 artists—comprising of paintings, photography, prints and tapestries.

“Art disseminates information and inspires imagination. The artists in this exhibit exemplify the power of that creativity,” said Arturo Infante Almeida, UTSA Art Collection curator. “Art is vital because it tells stories that inspire and educate. San Antonio has a world-class thriving art scene. This exhibit is a chance to see work in the UTSA collection and to learn more about the artists.”

UTSA holds about 3,000 artworks in its permanent collection, including paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs and works in other media. Displayed throughout the UTSA campuses, the collection is an invaluable educational resource and brings vibrance and cultural enrichment to the buildings students often use.

“Art disseminates information and inspires imagination.”

The exhibit’s opening wall features Lowell Nesbitt’s “Yellow Orchid.” In 1980, the United States Postal Service honored Nesbitt with a series of four commemorative postage stamps based on his floral paintings. In the late 1960s, NASA commissioned him to commemorate the Apollo 9 and 13 space missions.

Other well-known artists who are part of the permanent collection exhibit include Shepard Fairey and Jimmy Canales.

The exhibit will include a screen print from Fairey’s ICA Retro Series, which carries Fairey’s hallmarks such as the “Obey” iconography, and imagery that serves as commentary on consumer culture. Fairey is best known for the red, white, and blue illustration of Barak Obama, held in the U.S. National Portrait Gallery collection.

Canales’ “Popo Bronco” is the only tapestry in the exhibition. Canales, a lecturer at Texas State University in San Marcos, used traditional Mexican zarape fabric to create this vibrant piece of artwork.

Albert Gonzales, Ron Adams, Graciela Iturbide, Elliott Erwitt, John Hoyland, Thomas Walsh, Alexander Calder, Adriana Maria Garcia and Larry Chappelear round out the artists whose works will be on display.

As UTSA’s art specialist, Almeida has spent years curating the university’s art collection. There is an endowment in his name to maintain, grow, and promote the UTSA Art collection, support related research activities, and expand community engagement.

“UTSA Works from the Permanent Collection” is open for public viewing from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. Admission is by donation.

— James Benavides