Works on Paper: Luís Jiménez

Luís Jiménez, 1940 El Paso Texas - 2006 Hondo, New Mexico, Southwest Pieta, 1983, lithograph on paper, museum purchase, 1981 General Obligation Bonds

Luís Jiménez, 1940 El Paso, Texas - 2006 Hondo, New Mexico, Steve Jordan, 1984, lithograph on paper, ed. 7/40 museum purchase

ON VIEW

LUÍS JIMÉNEZ: MOTION AND EMOTION

Opening January 16, 2021

Luís Jiménez: Motion and Emotion

These works on paper explore larger than life characters.

DRAWINGS AND LITHOGRAPHS BY

LUÍS JIMÉNEZ—who masterfully depicted the human figure—often focus on workingclass and Chicano subjects. These works on paper from Albuquerque Museum's permanent collection are infused with a sense of movement and vivacity.

Luís Jiménez’s work covers a full swath of human emotions; at times his visual language is humorous, at other moments, it is heart wrenching and unabashedly political. His work often challenges viewers to confront myths and issues surrounding la frontera (the border) and the idea of cultural purity. Jiménez became well-known through his sculptures, which incorporate bold colors, muscular figures, lively movement, political themes, and working class heroes. He used unorthodox materials such as fiberglass, glitter, and lights as way to engage with Chicano culture. While much of the sculpture of the '60s and '70s in the United States tended toward abstraction and minimalism, Jiménez boldly focused on the figure, creating characters that were larger than life and impossible to overlook in the public settings where they were placed. His drawing skills were equally vibrant, infused with a sense of movement and action. Many of the drawings and lithographs seen in this exhibition were later realized as sculptures, such as Southwest Pieta, Border Crossing, and Sodbuster.