When pop art turned consumer goods into high art, it mostly shopped at U.S. supermarkets. Now, San Antonio’s Centro de Artes is widening the aisles with a new exhibit, Mercado/Material, opening Thursday, October 15.
The show fills the Market Square gallery with art inspired by open-air markets, corner bodegas, and big box grocery stores. The show brings together more than a dozen artists from San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, New York City, and Chicago. Among them is the late Chuck Ramirez, who worked as an art director for H-E-B.
The works depict common objects like a paletas and half-bitten pink cake.Photo courtesy of Centro de Artes
Viewers walk through images of papel picado, pink cake, and aguas frescas stands, plus a collection of cars in the style of Ocumicho pottery. The exhibit is meant to both mimic the look of everyday spaces and the experience of existing in them.
For curator Mia Lopez, Mercado/Material is a homecoming. She began her career at the Smithsonian-affiliated Museo Alameda before it was Centro de Artes. Now the McNay Art Museum’s curator of Latinx art, she has devoted much of her career to telling underrepresented stories through art.
“By reimagining commercial goods and drawing on popular culture, these artworks challenge expectations and craft new narratives that mirror the ongoing evolution of the mercado,” Lopez said in a statement about the show.
A case holds vibrant pottery in the Ocumicho tradition.Photo courtesy of Centro de Artes
Mercado/Material also opens as Centro de Artes celebrates a decade of showcasing Latinx art. Krystal Jones, executive director of the City’s Department of Arts and Culture, called the anniversary a sign of the gallery’s staying power.
“This milestone is proof positive that City-run art galleries can successfully and sustainably serve their communities,” Jones said.
A free opening reception kicks off the exhibition October 15 at Centro de Artes, 101 S. Santa Rosa Ave. Mercado/Material remains on view through March 7, 2027.