Past Exhibition
Justin Favela: Central American
All of the work in the exhibition will be created on site by Favela, including a large-scale installation, wall and floor sculptures, and a paper chandelier for the Meier building’s atrium.
Justin Favela’s exuberant art is inspired by Latinx culture, art history, and food rendered in layer upon layer of vibrant strips of paper. Favela’s technique recalls piñatas and party decorations — ephemeral forms that signify joy and celebration.
The exhibition’s subtitle, Central American, contains multiple meanings, suggesting the artist’s heritage, Iowa’s place in the middle of America, and the strong presence of Central Americans in our state and within the agricultural industry upon which our economy depends.
All of the work in the exhibition will be created on site by Favela, including a large-scale installation, wall and floor sculptures, and a paper chandelier for the Meier building’s atrium. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this exhibition was moved from 2020 to the slate of 2021 exhibitions.
Harriet S. and J. Locke Macomber Des Moines Art Center Endowment Fund
Additional support for “Justin Favela: Central American” is provided by donors and members like you!
Video
Justin Favela: Central American Exhibition Overview
Artist Justin Favela talks about his process and inspiration for the exhibition Justin Favela: Central American.
Video
Justin Favela, Artist Lecture
Justin Favela shares significant touch points about his artistic motivations, influences, and explorations, ending in a description of his exhibition at the Des Moines Art Center, Justin Favela: Central American.
Publication
Paper Plant Making for ‘Justin Favela: Central American’
You’re invited to contribute to Justin Favela: Central American by creating paper plants for garden beds that appear in the exhibition. This craft is appropriate for all ages and abilities. Click...
Video
Paper Plant Making with Justin Favela
Create a paper plant along with artist Justin Favela in this 25-minute virtual workshop. Workshop created in collaboration with the NMSU University Art Museum and generously shared with the Des...
Video
Justin Favela on Grant Wood’s “Birthplace of Herbert Hoover”
Artist Justin Favela shares how artwork from the Des Moines Art Center’s permanent collection inspired his exhibition Justin Favela: Central American.
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Justin Favela on Carlos Merdia’s “Los Caminantes del Maya (Mayan Travellers Walking)”
Artist Justin Favela shares how artwork from the Des Moines Art Center’s permanent collection inspired his exhibition Justin Favela: Central American.
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Justin Favela on Grant Wood’s “Basket of Fruit” and “Vegetables”
Artist Justin Favela shares how artwork from the Des Moines Art Center’s permanent collection inspired his exhibition Justin Favela: Central American.
Video
Justin Favela on Walt Kuhn’s “Green Bananas”
Artist Justin Favela shares how artwork from the Des Moines Art Center’s permanent collection inspired his exhibition Justin Favela: Central American.
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Justin Favela on Winslow Homer’s “Banana Tree – Nassau”
Artist Justin Favela shares how artwork from the Des Moines Art Center’s permanent collection inspired his exhibition Justin Favela: Central American.
Video
Favela Family Fiesta (English)
“Family Fiesta” is a performance piece by Justin Favela in which the artist and his family throw a traditional fiesta for museum visitors. This event seeks to show the museum...
Video
Favela Family Fiesta (Spanish)
Miembros de la comunidad están invitados a la Fiesta Familiar en el jardín delantero del Centro de Arte de Des Moines de 11 a.m. a 3 p.m. el 21 de...
