Although enigmatic, the provocative and varied art installation,”Pogo,” at one of Guadalajara’s premier venues, the Instituto Cultural Cabañas, should stimulate reflection among visitors who enjoy nontraditional art. These ambitious pieces by Argentine artist Máximo González are worth seeing and, at the same time, one can take in several other exhibits from Argentina, this year’s invited country at the International Book Fair (Feria Internacional de Libros).
Recent installations at the Cabañas have brought the word “funhouse” to mind, and “Pogo” is no exception, especially with its opening piece, an asbestos cabin with a darkened interior roof that evokes the starry night sky, as well as its astonishing mountains of globe beach balls — yes, globe beach balls — that spill out of one patio.
Yet there is a somber message underlying all of González’s installations, most obviously his blood-and-rose-splattered wall and his huge video wall showing scenes of political demonstations alternating with scenes of nature, as well as his gigantic blanket and his room with its walls decorated with a linear tale involving small objects that tell a mysterious and somewhat fantastic story of greed and dehumanization (oil rigs, cities, robots and spaceships, all made of woven money — bills that were out of circulation).
“Pogo” keeps us abreast of contemporary Latin American art (González now lives in Mexico City), a lot of which seems to urgently want to call attention to burning social and political issues.
“Pogo,” shows at Instituto Cultural Cabañas until February, 2015. Plaza Tapatias (Cabañas 8) about 5 blocks behind (east of) Teatro Degollado. (33) 3818-2800, 3668-1800, ex. 31051, 31065, 31642. Cost: $70 pesos for adult foreigners. Officials say that showing green “Residente” card gets foreigners in for the normal price of $45 pesos. $20 pesos for seniors and children 6 to 12 years old. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10–4; Sunday, 10–3; Tuesdays free. www.hospiciocabanas.com