This exhibition of linocuts by the Mexican artist and social activist Alejandro González Aranda has been organized as part of a year-long celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Center of Global Education at Augsburg College. The artist has been a frequent lecturer to students in the Center for Global Education program in Mexico addressing the topic of art in the quest for social justice.

For over two decades Aranda has created and exhibited paintings, murals, and prints that speak to the inequalities and injustices of Mexican society. The series of linocuts featured in this exhibition are part of a larger art project called “Reweaving a Life” that has travelled to venues in Mexico and Canada to draw attention to the desperate plight of the Nahua people of Tlamacazapa, Guerrero, Mexico. Aranda’s prints vividly capture the daily struggle of the women of Tlamacazapa whose lives revolve around a centuries-old basket-making tradition that provides their basic income. In addition to these prints, a selection of palm baskets woven by the women of Tlamacazapa will be on display.

On Friday, October 12, in conjunction with Augsburg’s Homecoming festivities, Aranda will demonstrate traditional Mexican printmaking from 8:30 - 10 a.m. and will lecture about the vital role art can play in promoting human rights beginning at 3:30 p.m. An artist reception will follow the afternoon presentation.

All events are free and open to the public.
Gallery Hours: Monday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Christensen Center Art Gallery
Augsburg Collage
22nd Avenue South at 7 ½ Street
612-330-1524

Center for Global Education at Augsburg College
www.augsburg.edu/global
1-800-299-8889

Reweaving a Life/Retejiendo una Vida
www.caminamosjuntos.org

Image caption:
Aranda, When the Sabino Tree Dies, We Die, 2006, linocut on amate paper
Palm basketry by women weavers of Tlamacazapa, Guerrero, Mexico