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Fiesta-Jarabe by Luis A. Jimenez Jr.
Photo CreditPhoto courtesy of McKay Lodge Fine Arts Conservation Laboratory, Inc.
Fiesta-Jarabe
Photo CreditPhoto courtesy of McKay Lodge Fine Arts Conservation Laboratory, Inc.

Fiesta-Jarabe

Artist
Year1991
Classification sculpture
Medium spray-painted fiberglass
Dimensionssculpture and pedestal: 13.08 ft. (157 in.)
Credits Commissioned through the Art in Architecture Program
Fine Arts Collection
U.S. General Services Administration
Location
CollectionAt the Horizon: Art for the U.S. Border

  • Born in El Paso, Texas, Luis Jimenez (1940–2006) was known for expressive sculptures that explored the cultural identities and archetypes of the southwestern United States. Over the course of his career, Jimenez developed a signature style that combined history, mythology, and biography.


    Jimenez worked primarily in vividly colored cast fiberglass. His vibrant colors, animated figures, and subjects related to popular culture reflected a desire to make art that would be accessible to diverse audiences. In keeping with this ambition, Jimenez spent much of his career creating art for public sites. For the Otay Mesa U.S. Land Port of Entry, Jimenez created Fiesta—Jarabe.


    The over life-sized sculpture depicts a native Mexican man and woman in folk dress as they perform a traditional hat dance. The artwork shows Jimenez’s interest in celebrating individuals and cultures often relegated to the margins of mainstream history.  Installed along the pedestrian walkway, the artwork welcomes visitors and pays homage to the influence of Mexican culture in the United States.