The exhibition opens Sept. 12 at the Figge Art Museum in Davenport and explores Mexican artistic traditions through masks, prints, ceramics, woodcarving, sculpture and cartonería.
Press Release | Figge Art Museum
DAVENPORT, Iowa — Spirits, animals, devils and the dead take many forms in Mexican Roots: Masks, Prints, and Traditional Arts of Mexico, a new exhibition opening September 12 at the Figge Art Museum.
Through masks, prints, ceramics, woodcarving, sculpture, and cartonería (papier-mâché), Mexican Roots explores an artistic story shaped across centuries. Following the Spanish conquest of Mexico, Indigenous beliefs and traditions persisted alongside European influences, continually adapted and reinterpreted by generations of artists.
The exhibition brings together ancient, historic and contemporary works that reveal how those influences continue to shape Mexican popular art today.
“Together, these artworks show the resilience and evolution of art in Mexico,” said Vanessa Sage, Co-Senior Curator at the Figge Art Museum. “Artists have continually drawn from what they know—adapting symbols, stories and techniques to their own communities and their own time. You can see that continuity throughout the exhibition, whether you’re looking at a centuries-old ceramic, a festival mask, or the work of a contemporary printmaker.”
Masks connect Indigenous traditions with festivals that continue today
Masks are among the exhibition’s most striking examples of that continuity. Used in Mexico for thousands of years, masks appeared in Indigenous ceremonies long before the Spanish conquest.
As Catholic observances were introduced, Indigenous ceremonies and imagery were often incorporated into new festivals, creating traditions that continue today.
Other sections explore the roles of animals and supernatural beings in Mexican art, from ancient beliefs in animal spirit guides to contemporary alebrijes, the evolution of ceramics and carving, and Mexico’s long printmaking tradition.
Prints have historically served as “art for the people,” carrying images of Mexican history, everyday life, political activism and social justice into the streets and public consciousness.
An ofrenda by Victor Granados invites visitors to participate
As fall moves toward Día de Muertos, visitors will also encounter traditions surrounding death and remembrance.
Mexican popular art frequently depicts the dead as not gone, but continuing life in another world, where skeletons dance, celebrate, work and enjoy life’s pleasures. Marigolds, or cempasúchil, traditionally adorn ofrendas and help guide the souls of the deceased home.
Local artist Victor Granados has created an ofrenda for the exhibition, and visitors are invited to make paper marigolds and add them to the installation.
The participatory experience connects the works on view with traditions of memory and remembrance that remain meaningful to communities today.
“Mexican Roots celebrates traditions that have been preserved, reimagined, and carried forward across generations,” said Melissa Mohr, Executive Director and CEO of the Figge Art Museum. “We’re especially excited to create opportunities for our community to experience those traditions together—not only through the extraordinary artwork in the galleries, but through celebration, conversation and hands-on participation throughout the fall.”
Four fall programs will accompany Mexican Roots
The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of free programs beginning with an Opening Celebration on Thursday, September 17 at 6 p.m.
- Thursday, September 17, 6 p.m. — Opening Celebration
- Saturday, October 10, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. — Second Saturday
- Thursday, October 29, 6 p.m. — Exhibition Talk
- Sunday, November 1, noon–5 p.m. — Day of the Dead Family Fiesta
The free Day of the Dead Family Fiesta will celebrate loved ones through music, dance, food and art and is presented in partnership with LULAC Council 10 and Hola America.
Mexican Roots: Masks, Prints, and Traditional Arts of Mexico is organized by Gaston Design, Inc. and will be on view in the Figge’s third-floor gallery through February 21, 2027.
Additional exhibition information is available through the Figge Art Museum.
About the Figge Art Museum
The Figge Art Museum is dedicated to bringing art and people together. Located on the Mississippi River in downtown Davenport, the Figge is the premier art exhibition and education facility between Chicago and Des Moines. Its landmark glass building houses a renowned collection, engaging exhibitions and community-centered programs.
Figge Art Museum
225 West Second Street
Davenport, IA 52801
563-326-7804
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