A UNIVERSAL MEXICAN

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José Sacal (1944-2018) was born in the Mexican city of Cuernavaca where at an early age he learned about painting and modeling at the National Institute of Fine Arts of Cuernavaca. As a young man, he studied medicine and traveled the world extensively. Years spent learning about the body and mind and living in marginal communities fundamentally shaped Sacal’s eventual artistic career.

In 2006, Sacal gained the distinction of becoming the first Mexican artist to have sculptures permanently displayed in China. His work can be viewed throughout the United States, Israel, and especially Mexico City. To demonstrate the cosmopolitanism of this unique Jewish-Mexican artist, the Sacal Foundation selected 21 sculptures for this traveling exhibition. The show demonstrates Sacal’s Surrealist manifestations of prominent historical figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Einstein, and Frida Kahlo. 

Sacal’s work, reflects the human experience at both the individual and societal levels. It provides an opportunity for viewers to consider how the arts empower a deeper understanding of that which is unique, and that which is universal.

The exhibition was presented by Sculpture Tucson in partnership with the Consulate of Mexico in Tucson and The José Sacal Foundation.

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Sculpture: Both sides of The Two Fridas