In Unison: Ceramic Sculptures by George Rodriguez

On view: July 21 – September 10, 2023

Born and raised in the border city of El Paso, Texas, George Rodriguez creates large-scale decorative ceramic sculpture addressing his identity and community as a Mexican-American artist. In the exhibition In Unison, Rodriguez constructs a bridge between the past and present through symbols and imagery tied to his personal histories, collaboration, and community. He creates grand guardian figures, tomb sculptures, and shrines that depict his community members as ancient relics. Through collaboration, Rodriguez creates sculptures inspired by his peers and invites these artists to paint these ceramic works using their personal techniques. The collaborative works Rodriguez creates with his peers and mentors in the ceramic community are showcased alongside works inspired by the long-term relationships that influence his practice. The large scale of these works encourages community building by inspiring celebration and personal connections.

George earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in ceramics from the University of Texas El Paso and went on to receive his Master of Fine Arts from the University of Washington. Rodriguez traveled the world as a recipient of a Bonderman Travel Fellowship in 2010. His work can be found in various permanent collections, including the National Mexican Museum of Art in Chicago, the Renwick Gallery at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the National Museum of Sweden amongst others.

PRESS:
Al Dia News: “In Unison, an exhibition like no other”
Metro Philadelphia: “Ceramic artist George Rodriguez and Magic Gardens are a perfect match”
Art Blog: “Solemn stares, collaborative practice, in George Rodriguez’s ‘In Unison’ at the Magic Gardens”