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GRISELDA ROSAS

Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before)

January 13 - February 17, 2024

Griselda Rosas La Batalla de Vortex, 2024

Griselda Rosas
La Batalla de Vortex, 2024
Acrylic, watercolor, natural pigments, appliqué, and embroidery on paper
42 x 72 in

Griselda Rosas La cuna del niño se mese con cuentos (The Child's Cradle Rocks with Stories), 2022

Griselda Rosas
La cuna del niño se mese con cuentos (The Child's Cradle Rocks with Stories), 2022
Embroidery, watercolour and ink on paper
72 x 42 in  (182.9 x 106.7 cm)
 

Griselda Rosas Artifice de insignias reales 7 (Faux regalia 7), 2023

Griselda Rosas
Artifice de insignias reales 7 (Faux regalia 7), 2023
Watercolor, acrylic, applique, and embroidery on paper
72 x 42 in

Griselda Rosas Tragaluz (Skylight), 2021-2022

Griselda Rosas
Tragaluz (Skylight), 2021-2022
Embroidery, watercolour, acrylic, and natural pigment on paper
42 x 72 in  (106.7 x 182.9 cm)

Griselda Rosas Untitled (Conquistadors), 2023

Griselda Rosas
Untitled (Conquistadors), 2023
Acrylic, watercolor, and embroidery on faux ostrich skin
40 x 54 in  (101.6 x 137.2 cm)
 

Griselda Rosas Untitled (Coyote), 2024

Griselda Rosas
Untitled (Coyote), 2024
Acrylic, watercolor, embroidery on faux ostrich skin

42 x 46 in (106.7 x 116.8 cm)

Griselda Rosas Batalla de Vortez, 2022-2023

Griselda Rosas
Batalla de Vortez, 2022-2023
Embroidery, watercolour, cyanotype, and collage on paper
26 x 39 in  (66 x 99.1 cm)
31 3/8 x 45 3/8 in  (7970.5 x 11526.5 cm) Framed

Griselda Rosas Entretejido (Interwoven) , 2024

Griselda Rosas
Entretejido (Interwoven) , 2024
Acrylic, watercolor, and embroidery on paper
42 x 51 in

Griselda Rosas Cabeza de Vaca, 2022

Griselda Rosas
Cabeza de Vaca, 2022
Found wood, cement, screenprint, and rubber from Michoacán
Dimensions vary, 5-7 ft each when stretched
GR11647

Griselda Rosas Untitled, 2024

Griselda Rosas
Untitled, 2024
Found wood, child's horse toy, cement, screenprint, and rubber from Michoacán
Base: 57 x 15 in (144.78 x 38.1 cm) Overall: 124 x 15 in (314.96 x 38.1 cm) (overall dimensions vary, site specific)

Griselda Rosas Regalia X/Atavío religioso X, 2023

Griselda Rosas
Regalia X/Atavío religioso X, 2023
Embroidery, textile collage, watercolor on paper
45 x 67 in  (114.3 x 170.2 cm)
49.5 x 72 x 2 in  (125.7 x 182.9 x 5.1 cm) Framed

Griselda Rosas Regalia II, 2022

Griselda Rosas
Regalia II, 2022
Watercolor and embroidery on paper
12 x 16 in  (30.5 x 40.6 cm)
16.75 x 20.75 x 1.5 in  (42.5 x 52.7 x 3.8 cm) Framed

Griselda Rosas Colonial memories, 2020

Griselda Rosas
Colonial memories, 2020
Embroidery, textile collage, watercolor on paper
15 x 21.5 in  (38.1 x 54.6 cm)
19.25 x 25.75 x 1.25 in  (48.9 x 65.4 x 3.2 cm) Maple frame

Griselda Rosas SuperPerroMonstruo!, 2023

Griselda Rosas
SuperPerroMonstruo!, 2023
Watercolor and embroidery on paper
12.25 x 16.25 in  (31.1 x 41.3 cm)

Griselda Rosas Untitled, 2023

Griselda Rosas
Untitled, 2023
Watercolour and embroidery on paper
12.25 x 16.25 in  (31.1 x 41.3 cm)

Griselda Rosas Mourning Brooch I, 2023

Griselda Rosas
Mourning Brooch I, 2023
Watercolor, appliqué and embroidery on paper
16.25 x 12.25 in  (41.3 x 31.1 cm)

Griselda Rosas Regalia artificial 1, 2022

Griselda Rosas
Regalia artificial 1, 2022
Watercolor and embroidery on paper
15 x 12 in  (38.1 x 30.5 cm)

Griselda Rosas Untitled (from Fernando's sketch), 2023

Griselda Rosas
Untitled (from Fernando's sketch), 2023
Embroidery on hand made paper
20.75 x 16.25 in  (52.7 x 41.3 cm)

Griselda Rosas Untitled, 2023

Griselda Rosas
Untitled, 2023
Embroidery on plastic printed grain bag
20 x 18.75 in  (50.8 x 47.6 cm)

Griselda Rosas Untitled, 2023-24

Griselda Rosas
Untitled, 2023-24
Tejido Vivo
Cyanotype and embroidery on paper
22.25 x 15 in  (56.5 x 38.1 cm)

Griselda Rosas Untitled, 2023-24

Griselda Rosas
Untitled, 2023-24
Tejido Vivo
Cyanotype and embroidery on paper
19.75 x 11.25 in  (50.2 x 28.6 cm)
 

Griselda Rosas Untitled, 2023-24

Griselda Rosas
Untitled, 2023-24
Tejido Vivo
Cyanotype and embroidery on paper
19 x 15 in  (48.3 x 38.1 cm)
 

Griselda Rosas Untitled, 2023-24

Griselda Rosas
Untitled, 2023-24
Tejido Vivo
Cyanotype and embroidery on paper
22.25 x 15 in  (56.5 x 38.1 cm)

Griselda Rosas Untitled, 2023-24

Griselda Rosas
Untitled, 2023-24
Tejido Vivo
Cyanotype and embroidery on paper
22.25 x 15.25 in  (56.5 x 38.7 cm)
 

Griselda Rosas Untitled, 2023-24

Griselda Rosas
Untitled, 2023-24
Tejido Vivo
Cyanotype and embroidery on paper
22.25 x 15.25 in  (56.5 x 38.7 cm)

Griselda Rosas Untitled, 2023-24

Griselda Rosas
Untitled, 2023-24
Tejido Vivo
Cyanotype and embroidery on paper
19.25 x 10 in  (48.9 x 25.4 cm)

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Installation view of GRISELDA ROSAS: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view from January 13 to February 17, 2024

Press Release

Luis De Jesus Los Angeles is very pleased to present Griselda Rosas: Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), on view in Gallery 2 and 3 from January 13 through February 17, 2024. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, January 13 from 4 to 7 p.m. 

Informed by her fluid experiences with the Mexico and US border and life between Tijuana and San Diego, Griselda Rosas deconstructs the ambiguities of identity and place, learned, and generationally passed subjugation, and the legacies of colonization and conflict. She often focuses on the pre-colonial and post-colonial war scenes and the introduction of Catholicism to Indigenous customs in the Americas as part of the Spanish colonial agenda. Rosas examines these histories alongside her roles as an educator and single mother, frequently collaborating with her young son to produce works that pulsate with the energy of an uninhibited child’s eye and hand.

In Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), mixed media collages comprised of fabrics, cyanotypes, acrylic, watercolor, natural pigments and vivid embroidery are exhibited alongside sculptures of ornamental slingshots—objects loaded with dualities, such a child's toy, and a weapon used today and by the ancient Aztecs. The collages tell stories of colonization and resistance, with horses and wild animals leaping in the scenes against figures in colorful war regalia. Rosas presents a nimble transition of handiwork, care, and conflict between sculptures representing play and warfare and the details of mending and embroidery work—a ritual and practice passed down through generations, from her mother, grandmother, and aunts, and a celebrated indigenous art adorning garments and textiles in Mexican homes.

Taking inspiration from the fairytales and stories that she read to her young son, in addition to children’s make-believe games and toys, Rosas reimagines brilliantly hued scenes appropriated from historical Mexican, European, and Indian documents, fables and myths, including El Lienzo de Tlaxcala (The Codex of Tlaxcala), a colonial-era pictorial codex produced in the second half of the sixteenth century, the illustrated fables of La Jean de La Fontaine dating back to the European Middle Ages, and The Panchatantra, an ancient Indian collection of interrelated animal fables written in Sanskrit verse and prose. These stories deploy metaphors of anthropomorphized animals with human virtues—not unlike those found on Aztec battle regalia. 

Rosas' works hover between the recognizable and the unfamiliar, like objects unearthed in an archaeological dig and suspended in the amorphous clouds of a dream or supernatural revelation. Battle and hunting scenes are juxtaposed with modern syncretic festivities in Oaxaca and cyanotypes depicting ancient breast-feeding icons and 17th-century images of the Virgin Mother and Child. Indigenous warriors wear feathered body suits, battle standards on their backs, and hold circular shields; European warriors are dressed in armor or doublets and have oval shields. Old World horses gallop next to New World turkeys.

 

 

Rosas' material processes are highly considered, too. The rubber used for her slingshot sculptures is sourced from indigenous communities in Southern Mexico, a similar location to where the Aztecs sourced their rubber; her cyanotypes and watercolors embody a natural and elemental collaboration with light and water. Rosas also incorporates materials that are imbued with her personal memories; for example, the incorporation of faux ostrich skin comes from seeing alligator-booted narcos, drug traffickers in Tijuana—a regalia for another type of war. And she uses the same pimpled-grained fabric to conjure the spread of smallpox introduced by the Spanish conquistadores, which dealt a devastating blow to the Aztecs.

Donde pasó antes (Where it happened before), prompts a questioning of cycles. Rosas' conflation of past and present blurs boundaries and resists binaries to rethink origins, influences, and patterns. Her animated, vibrant drawings and sculptures craft new ways of considering the present by understanding how colonialist images, propaganda and actions are entrenched within our histories. 

Griselda Rosas (born in Tijuana, Mexico) received her BFA in painting and printmaking in 2006 from San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, and an MFA in sculpture in 2013. Since 2013 she has taught drawing, painting, and embroidery as an adjunct professor at San Diego State University. 

Recent solo exhibitions include Yo te cuido at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and UC Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) (2023); Forged Dialect, Quint Gallery, La Jolla, CA (2022); and Regata Abscisa, Oceanside Museum of Art, San Diego, CA (2020). Notable group exhibitions include Stories from My Childhood, Northern Illinois University Art Museum, DeKalb, IL (2022); Cannon Gallery Ninth Invitational Exhibition, Carlsbad, CA (2022); First International Festival of Manuports, Kohta, Helsinki, Finland (2021); and San Diego Art Prize Exhibit, Bread & Salt, San Diego, CA (2020); among others.

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