3 Questions: LuisContreras on his new take on Mexican traditions, now showing in Old Town

By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. – For artist Luis Contreras, Mexican traditions are a source of inspiration and discovery. Known for his Día de los Muertos imagery and Catrina sculptures, Contreras draws on family memories and cultural traditions to create artwork that reflects his heritage. His latest exhibition, Tradición, opened Oct. 15 at Lapis Room in Albuquerque’s Old Town. The show, his fourth solo exhibition at the gallery, features a collaboration with painter Brandon Maldonado and explores new ideas beyond his signature sculptures. The Paper spoke with Contreras about the inspiration behind Tradición, his connection to Mexican traditions and his collaboration with Maldonado.

Your new exhibition, Tradición, at Lapis Room explores Mexican traditions while introducing ideas you’ve kept in your sketchbooks for years. What inspired this collection, and what does it mean to you to share this work with the public?

The inspiration behind this collection was what comes to my mind when I think of “Mexican tradition.” I think of the beautiful bold colors that are often used in clothing, decorative papel picado and even their architecture. I think of the music, I think of the celebrations we would have as kids, the smell of the food, the laughter, and what it felt like to be immersed and whatever was going on, whether it be a family function or posole made during Christmas time. It means the world to be able to share this with the public. Especially in a place such as Lapis Room gallery. They have really become part of the community and display artwork from truly wonderful artists that I’ve met. I wouldn’t want it any other way. I didn’t always have this growing up … this Mexican tradition. And now that I’m able to share what I know, I’m able to include new things that I’m learning about this tradition, whether it’s how to build an altar or what you need to lay out on an ofrenda.

Your artwork often draws on Día de los Muertos imagery and Mexican cultural traditions. What inspires you to create art, and how have your cultural roots influenced your artistic style and the stories you want to tell?

For me Día de Muertos is still very new to me. I did not grow up with it, but came to know about it about five years ago, so it’s all still very new. I draw my inspirations from videos and images I’ve seen in Mexico. This year I’ll finally be able to go in person to Oaxaca and see this big celebration. I’m looking forward to drawing more inspiration for future art. I come from a very religious background, so this wasn’t part of the traditional upbringing innocence. My stories are always changing with the pieces I create. They aren’t traditional Catrinas; they might take on them, and I still try to include what I’ve seen in many traditional ones, but with my own style. Art can be very interpretive to whoever is looking at it. It can mean something totally different to someone else and that’s okay. 

Tradición also features a collaboration with painter Brandon Maldonado. What was it like working together on this exhibition, and what do you hope visitors take away from the show?

This was my first time working with Brandon Maldonado, and I hope it’s not my last. He is an artist. I look up to the way he tells stories and paintings is just amazing. He truly is a legend in the artist community. Some pieces I made in this collection are even drawing from inspiration of his artwork. I hope visitors see the heart that was put into every piece of the show. 

Tradición is on display through Nov. 15 at Lapis Room Art Gallery (303 Romero St. NW, Suite 107) in Albuquerque’s Old Town. The gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free.