José Villalobos’s multimedia exhibition, groomed, conveys the effects of machismo within Norteño culture. Through sculpture and performance, Villalobos displays a nuanced and proud connection to his heritage, withstanding the historic and violent undercurrents of homophobia that exist within it.
The central piece in the room is a large, motorized horse walker equipped with a bit and harness that Villalobos wears during his hour long endurance performance, Producto de la Máquina. Blood on the metal mouthpiece from the artist’s resistance to being steered suggests the emotional violence of cultural and societal constructs that can compress identity. The walker’s circular motion is repetitive by design, speaking to an inability to advance forward
The floor of the exhibit is covered in soil, binding the space to the earth, and transforming it into a ranch-like environment with livestock tools and other processes. The smell of dirt and hay activates memories of such places. Each step leaves an impression, marking the visitor’s presence. Videos of self-inflicted endurance acts by Villalobos involving ranch instruments play on the walls. Here, he disarms toxic masculinity by enduring it for an audience to witness.
A circular mirror hangs on the South wall, and suspended in the center is a metallic horse bit. When standing in front of the mirror, visitors are inserted into Villalobos’s narrative, creating a space of empathy or complicity. As friend or silent witness, the audience’s own response will determine where they fit.
Circular motifs continue to repeat throughout groomed, with images of a shedding comb, the mirror, and the walker. The symbol represents toxic cycles and the detrimental outcomes of relentless, circular thought. Cowhides displayed on the walls are branded with homophobic text and confront the derogatory words and perceptions of homophobia by reclaiming them.
On view
@artpace til 5-19-24
-Ada Smith Genitempo (Residencies and Exhibitions Manager)
📸:
@beth.marie.d 
