Works by the four artists in the Latino Cultural Center’s show “Quetzal Quatro” couldn’t be more different: Luchadores fighting American political figures. The Quetzalcoatl or Flying Serpent God, layered in colorful feathers, playing a fender guitar. A portrait of a grandmother named Susana stands in front of a field of marigold flowers, accompanied by monarch butterflies on her soldiers. 

But there’s a common thread. The artists – Genaro Hernandez, Juan J. Hernandez, Samuel Torres and Jose Vargas – are all inspired by their ancestral past and heritage.

The four artists have exhibited work over the last quarter-century and were part of a circle in the 1990s and 2000s exhibiting artworks related to identity or cultural movements. 

Artwork by Jose Vargas at the Latino Cultural Center.

“It starts with my family, where I was born, where I live, all my friends and all the experiences in my life,” said artist Samuel Torres, speaking about the inspiration of his artworks in a video by the center. 

While Mexican motifs characterize the exhibition, the four artists’ styles differ. They show a little of everything they can do, including pop art, abstract and surrealism. 

Quetzal Quatro will end on March 13. The Latino Cultural Center is open Thursday-Saturday and appointments are required to visit.

Got a tip? Email Mia Estrada at mestrada@kera.org. You can follow her on Twitter @miaaestrada.

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