Painted Cloth: Fashion and Ritual in Colonial Latin America

Painted Cloth is a 2023 Honorable Mention,Jonathan Brown Award,Society for Iberian Global Art (SIGA) exhibition that examines the production, meaning, and representation of garments used in civil and religious settings across Latin America during the 1700s. It highlights the aesthetic components of the artistic production of the Spanish Americas and encourages wider conversations about the impact of the colonial period in shaping the social fabric of the region.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 21 June 2022
Publisher: University of Texas Press

Painted Cloth: Unveiling the Production, Meaning, and Representation of Garments in Latin America during the 1700s

Painted Cloth, a captivating exhibition and accompanying catalogue, delves into the intricate world of garments used in civil and religious settings across Latin America during the 1700s. This project, curated by the Blanton Museum of Art, explores the profound ways in which clothing played a central role in shaping socioeconomic, gender, and racial identities among diverse groups such as Indigenous communities, African slaves, Spanish colonizers, and their mixed-raced descendants.

The exhibition showcases the aesthetic components of the artistic production of the Spanish Americas, while also fostering broader conversations about the enduring impact of the colonial period on the region's social fabric. It features a foreword by Blanton director Simone Wicha, an introduction and essay by Rosario I. Granados, and insightful essays by Julia McHugh, Trent A. Carmichael, Ana Paulina Gámez, Ricardo Kusonoki, Patricia Diìaz Cayeros, and Maya Stanfield-Mazzi.

Through its rich visual imagery and scholarly analysis, Painted Cloth offers a unique perspective on the complex tapestry of cultures and identities that emerged in Latin America during this transformative period. It sheds light on the role of clothing as a powerful medium of expression, communication, and identity formation, highlighting the ways in which it transcended cultural boundaries and played a vital role in the construction of collective memories and narratives.

This exhibition and catalogue serve as a testament to the enduring significance of cultural heritage and the power of art to illuminate the past and shape the future. It encourages us to reflect on the complex legacies of colonialism and the ongoing struggles for social justice and equality in the Americas.

In conclusion, Painted Cloth is a groundbreaking project that brings together art, history, and culture to explore the profound impact of clothing on the lives of individuals and communities in Latin America during the 1700s. It is a must-see exhibition for anyone interested in understanding the rich tapestry of the region's past and its ongoing relevance in the present.

Dimension: 267 x 203 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781477323977