By Michael Garroni—

An exploration of nature, the human spirit and the remarkable diversity of Oaxaca’s artistic traditions. A bird rising on the wind, a ray lifting from the ocean depths, a tree reaching towards the light: nature is full of moments of ascension. Art has a similar power. It can lift us out of our daily routines, open our eyes to new perspectives and connect us with emotions and ideas that are otherwise difficult to express.

These ideas inspire Ascenso, an exhibition bringing together 26 artists whose work explores ascension in its many forms, from the movement of the natural world to spiritual and emotional growth. The exhibition invites us to consider what it means to rise—and how art can help us see the world, and ourselves, differently.
In Huatulco, where mountains meet the Pacific, the theme feels particularly appropriate.

The wind, ocean, changing light and biodiversity of the coast provide endless inspiration. Yet ascension can also be found in cultural memory, personal struggle, creative discovery and the act of seeing something familiar in a new way. The artists participating in Ascenso approach these ideas from different perspectives. Their backgrounds range from decades of professional practice and international exhibitions to the early stages of an artistic career. Four artists, in particular, offer a glimpse into the breadth of talent represented in the show.

Artist Highlights

Tomás Pineda Matus
Born in Chicapa de Castro, in Oaxaca’s Isthmus region, Tomás Pineda Matus has built a distinguished career spanning painting, printmaking and other artistic disciplines. Drawing has always been central to his practice, while the landscapes,animals and cultural traditions of his Zapotec heritage provide a rich vocabulary for his work. His imagery frequently incorporates bulls, horses and elements of the natural world, transforming personal memories and regional identity into expressive visual narratives. With an exhibition history extending beyond Mexico, Pineda Matus represents the depth and international reach of contemporary Oaxacan art.

Ixrael Montes
Born in San José de las Flores, Jamiltepec, on Oaxaca’s Costa Chica, Ixrael Montes has developed a distinctive artistic language over more than three decades. Working across painting, encaustic, printmaking and sculpture, he draws inspiration from the cultural mixture of Mexico’s southern Pacific coast, including Mixtec and African influences. Masks, fantastical creatures and figures connected to the sea appear in a world where lived experience meets dream and mythology. His work has been exhibited internationally, including in Japan and at prominent Mexican museums. Montes’s ability to transform cultural roots and the natural world into something mysterious and deeply personal makes his work particularly compelling.

Manuel Trapiche
Originally from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Manuel Trapiche draws on the vivid colours, forms and traditions of his Zapotec heritage. Traditional dress, music, landscapes and pre-Hispanic art inform a practice developed over more than 15 years in printmaking, alongside painting and tattoo art. His love of drawing and colour becomes a way of maintaining a living dialogue with the symbols and atmospheres that shape his identity. His work reflects the continuing vitality of Oaxaca’s cultural traditions and their capacity to inspire contemporary expression.

Alejandra Salazar
A self-taught artist who has lived in Bahías de Huatulco for more than 30 years, Alejandra Salazar approaches painting through realism and meticulous observation. Working primarily in oil and acrylic, she explores the details, light, textures and contrasts that give each subject its individual character. Her development has come through sustained practice, discipline and a desire to capture not simply the appearance of a scene, but something of its essence.

Her work demonstrates how an attentive eye and a commitment to artistic growth can turn everyday observations into meaningful creative expression.
Together, these four artists illustrate that there is no single path to artistic achievement. Experience and experimentation, cultural inheritance and personal soul-searching, technical mastery and the courage to share their creations all contribute to a creative landscape that is continually evolving.

A Meeting Place for Art

This diversity is at the heart of Ascenso, presented by Huatulco Art Gallery. The gallery has sought to broaden the local cultural experience by introducing audiences to established artists from Oaxaca and across Mexico, while also giving emerging regional talent opportunities to exhibit alongside them. Its exhibitions and cultural events, including presentations featuring Mexican and Oaxacan musicians, reflect a wider belief that the arts enrich community life when people have opportunities to encounter, discuss and experience them directly.

The exhibition brings this spirit together through paintings, sculpture, wood carvings, ceramics, textiles, photography and other forms of artistic expression. With 26 participating artists, visitors will encounter a range of approaches, from established voices to newer talents from across Oaxaca.

Ascenso takes place on November 13 and 14 at Huatulco Art Gallery, located in Plaza Chahue, Unit S2, behind Blackstone Real Estate, at 95 Benito Juárez Boulevard in La Crucecita.

Michael Garroni is a musician and former scientist who co-runs the Huatulco Art Gallery and Oaxaca Pottery Company.