APRIL 1, 2024 — In observance of National Poetry Month, the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC), the UTSA Libraries Art Collection and the Mexican Consulate in San Antonio will host an exhibit by acclaimed former San Antonio Poet Laureate Octavio Quintanilla. The exhibit will be on display at the Mexican Cultural Institute’s Diego Rivera Gallery throughout the month of April.
The exhibit will showcase Quintanilla’s “Frontextos,” a collection of visual poems blending text and imagery on canvas. Curated by UTSA Art Specialist Arturo Infante Almeida, the selection of works presents a journey into Quintanilla’s childhood memories expressed in vibrant colors and intricate mark-making.
Almeida, who has long admired Quintanilla’s artwork, saw a synergy between the poet’s creations and the spirit of National Poetry Month.
“Octavio combines paint, canvas and language in his work,” Almeida said. “With this fusion of poetry and painting, he breaks free from the usual rules of art and storytelling.”
Quintanilla conceptualized “Frontextos” in 2018.
“The only thing I can say is that these ‘Frontextos’ want to be seen, they want to be read and they want to be heard,” said Quintanilla about the collection.
“The collaboration between our institutions is a testament to the power of art in fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation,” said Monica Perales, ITC associate vice provost. “By showcasing Quintanilla’s multidimensional contributions to the literary and visual arts, this exhibition will honor his Texan and Mexican heritage and will spark dialogue and inspiration for generations to come.”
The mission of the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures is to give voice to the experiences of people from across the globe who call Texas home, providing insight into our past, present, and future.
