Mid-term season is here!! And for those of you that need a little time off, guess what? The Fowler Museum at UCLA is a great place to distract yourself from all that stressful business that comes with tests, writing and what not. On January 31st a new Exhibition called ” X-voto” opened showcasing the retablos of Mexican artist, David Mecalco. So for those of you who do not know what a retablo is, basically a piece of wood in which art is painted into as a form of gratitude to the saints, in this case his art is dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe. The really cool thing about these retablos however is the fact that it depicts paintings inspired by the people of the barrios or neighborhoods were Mecalco grew up in Mexico. Personally my favorite piece of art was one of two men who were partners, and while holding hands thank the Virgin Mary for allowing them to be happy in their relationship. Although it sounds controversial having two gay men thanking the virgin for allowing them to share a relationship, this is not the most controversial retablo at the exhibition. If you are into colors, and into art that depicts real life, this is definitely the expo for you! According to the Fowler Museum Website “Fowler in Focus: X-Voto—The Retablo-Inspired Art of David Mecalco” will be on view in the Fowler in Focus gallery, the central space within the long-term exhibition “Intersections: World Arts, Local Lives.” So stop by the Fowler museum, IT’S FREE!! And it’s open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Thursday until 8 p.m, so for sure there is a time for everyone to visit this great exhibition. So next time when you are 1) Procrastinating, 2) Bored or 3) just want to enjoy a great time looking at art, walk to the Fowler Museum located right next to the Jans steps and check out this show!

– Maria
The next Episode Thursday 2-4pm