"Using Palmistry to Understand Mexican Muralist José Clemente Orozco," by Matt Stromberg, Hyperallergic
On September 7, art historian Mary Coffey and artist Isa Carrillo will reflect on Orozco’s mural “Prometheus” at the ϲʿ Museum of Art — and offer palm readings in the process.
, the Getty’s sprawling multi-venue initiative in Los Angeles focused on work by Latin American and Latina/o artists, won’t until September 14, but several institutions have already opened their exhibitions. A week ago, the ϲʿ Museum of Art opened Prometheus 2017, in which four contemporary artists working in Mexico respond to a 1930 mural by famed Mexican muralist José Clemente Orozco on the ϲʿ campus. The mural is seen “as an allegory for art that attempts to reach a wider audience,” and is significantly the first mural painted by a Mexican muralist in the US.
Through their distinctly different practices, artists , , , and engage with issues of history, justice, and the transformative power of art that Orozco explored almost one century ago. This Thursday, art historian Mary Coffey and Carrillo will discuss her investigations into Orozco’s identity through astrology and palmistry. This latter method is especially interesting given that Orozco lost his left hand in an accident as a young man. Following the talk, the artist will offer palm readings to members of the audience. There will be events with the other three participating artists throughout the exhibition, culminating in a pyrotechnics performance with Goldbard on November 18.
When: Thursday, September 7, 5–11pm
Where: ϲʿ Museum of Art (330 N. College Ave., Claremont, California)