Evan Feldman
Director
efeldman@gpgallery.com
Allie Skupin
Associate Director
askupin@gpgallery.com
Opening reception: Friday, September 13, 5-8pm
Gerald Peters Contemporary is pleased to announce Among Monsters, a group exhibition of artists whose works address and reinterpret mythological references. The thematic presentation will include paintings, sculptures, textiles, and works on paper from Nani Chacon, Esther Elia, Angelica Raquel, Gil Rocha, Peter Rogers, and Hank Saxe.
Throughout history, mythologies have provided explanations for humankind’s existential surroundings through collective beliefs and shared verbal and visual narratives. The artists included in this exhibition preserve and evolve this tradition, drawing on mythological references to explore identity, fear, nostalgia, and socio-political conditions.
Raised on la frontera, in Laredo, Texas, the now San Antonio-based artist Angelica Raquel (b. 1993) creates works that reflect the oral storytelling of her childhood. Using needle felting, rug-punching and watercolor, Raquel’s figurative and fantastical works illustrate these lores and showcase the connecting power of storytelling.
Acting as a new generational storyteller, Raquel explores narratives rooted in folklore and the stories told by her late Grandfather. By retelling and reinventing these tales through a multitude of mediums, Raquel’s work brings oral traditions into a physical presence, expanding on leyendas (legends) that teach lessons, societal shifts, family roles, and examine mankind’s relationship with nature and the unknown. Ominous warnings towards ill intending men and magical women acting as protectors of the innocent are constant themes throughout the work, placing an importance on the archetype and roles of women in families and communities. Many of her stories can be traced to named relatives within the family, who recount their experiences with wonder, and a little fear.
Angelica Raquel
Cursed Spirit of Downtown Laredo 2023
Needle felted wool and polyfiber, glass beads, embroidered imagery, sequins
72 x 29 x 26 inches
Angelica Raquel
Kept at Bay: Love of The Dog 2024
Handhooked and gun tufted yarn, ribbons, felt, glass beads, metal charms, thread on monks cloth
38 x 52 inches
Angelica Raquel
Javelinas Take Our Pumpkin Patch 2024
Hand hooked and gun tufted yarn, ribbons, felt secondhand trim, thread on monks cloth
32 x 52 inches
Angelica Raquel
Girlhood Spells: Toad Summoning 2024
Rug hooked yarn, ribbon, second hand charms, needle felted critters, wet felted garden hose, sheet felt, on monks cloth
59 x 32 inches
Angelica Raquel
Blue Spirit Visit 2024
Handhooked and gun tufted yarns, ribbons, felt, charms, thread on monks cloth
57 x 49 inches
Angelica Raquel
Daisy and The Last Horned Toad 2023
Hand hooked yarns and ribbons, swarovski crystals, embroidered trim, felt, thread on monks cloth
38 x 32 inches
Angelica Raquel
From Her Heart She Pulled Memories, From Her Hands She Poured Love 2023
Needle felted wool and poly fibers, embroidered felt, glass beads, polymer clay and acrylic paint
40 x 27 x 54 inches
Angelica Raquel
Xolotl's Gift: Soul Companion 2024
Needle felted wool and poly fibers, sequins and glass beads, felt, rug hooked yarns, and secondhand trim
17 x 16 x 25 inches
Angelica Raquel
Maldición De La Pobre Alma 2024
gouache, acrylic, gold leaf
32 1/4 x 28 x 2 inches
Angelica Raquel
La Bruja Y La Curandera 2024
gouache, acrylic, gold leaf
34 1/4 x 26 3/4 x 2 inches
Angelica Raquel
El Diablo Se Teva Aparecer 2024
gouache, acrylic, gold leaf
33 x 29 x 2 inches
Angelica Raquel
El Demonio Del Borracho 2024
gouache, acrylic, gold leaf
34 1/4 x 29 1/4 x 2 inches
Árbol De Vida: El Monte
Árbol De Vida: El Monte 2024
Needle felted wool and polyfibers, sequins, glass beads, paper leaves and flowers, polymer clay charms, swarovski crystals, and copper
24 x 15 x 18 inches
Angelica Raquel
Those Who Still Listen 2024
Needle felted wool, yarns, polyfibers, embroidery,sequins, glass beads,
polymer clay and acrylic paint
26 x 12 x 12 inches
