Detail, Ahuehuete de la Noche Triste (2), after José María Velasco, 2018, tissue paper and glue on board, 41.7 x 29.9 in. (106 x 76 cm)
Justin Favela is known for his sculptures and large-scale installations that manifest his interactions with American pop culture, art history, and the Latinx experience. Alluding to celebration and Mexican culture, his iconic style uses cartoneria (more commonly known as piñata making) craft materials to tackle complex conversations.
This conversation about art and culture with the broader public is important to Justin’s practice. Wherever Justin goes to construct his commissioned installations, community members will show up to volunteer to cut piñata paper, build sculptures, meet Justin in person, and bond over lunch breaks. Today, to invite Justin is to also invite his entire community: his family, who travel the country to participate in his Family Fiesta performances; his dearest friends and chosen family, who act as project managers and documentarians; those who’ve met Justin through his podcast; those who know him through encounters with his art.