EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 A new exhibition opening this weekend at the El Paso Museum of History is putting the spotlight on the art form of hand-painted signs.<\/p>\n
The exhibit, El Otro Muralismo: Historical and Contemporary Sign Painting in El Paso and Ciudad Ju\u00e1rez, examines how generations of local sign painters, known as rotulistas, have shaped the visual identity of the Borderland through storefronts, advertisements and other public artwork.<\/p>\n
Museum officials said the exhibition brings together newly commissioned artwork, historical objects and personal stories to document nearly 150 years of sign-painting history in the Paso del Norte region. The exhibit was developed in collaboration with The University of Texas at El Paso professor and graphic designer Anne Giangiulio.<\/p>\n
According to the museum, the region’s sign-painting tradition began to flourish after the railroad arrived in El Paso in 1881, when businesses increasingly relied on hand-painted signs to advertise their services. Over time, the craft evolved into a style influenced by both traditional American sign painting and the vibrant commercial art found across the border in Ciudad Ju\u00e1rez.<\/p>\n
The exhibition’s name, El Otro Muralismo, Spanish for “The Other Muralism”, reflects a term used by Mexican scholars who viewed sign painting as another important form of public mural art because of its role in expressing culture and community.<\/p>\n
Museum Director Erica Marin said the exhibition highlights an artistic tradition that has long connected communities on both sides of the border.<\/p>\n
“With El Otro Muralismo, the El Paso Museum of History is proud to shine a light on an artistic tradition that is emblematic of the Paso del Norte region,” Marin said. “Visitors will explore the histories of rotulistas from both sides of the border and nearly 150 years of tradition.”<\/p>\n
The exhibition opens Saturday, July 11, with a free public reception from 5 to 7 p.m. and will remain on display through July 2027.<\/p>\n
Admission to the El Paso Museum of History is free. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday.<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: Plaza Classic Film Festival returns July 16, bringing classics back to El Paso\u2019s Plaza<\/a><\/p>\n