BMFA exhibit: ‘From emerald green waters to the pristine sand’

The Brownsville Museum of Fine Art opened its latest exhibit, “By the Sea-A Coastal Art Journey,” curated by UTRGV graduate Jose Angel Lozano and showcasing artists from South Padre Island, Brownsville, McAllen and Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico.

The exhibit, which opened Jan. 20, includes ceramics, paintings, paper wood, video and sculptures.

Lozano, a 2021 UTRGV studio art graduate, said the three main inspirations of the exhibit are to show how important the sea is to artists in the Rio Grande Valley, raise awareness about the geographical features of and the art movement happening on South Padre Island.

During his first time curating an exhibit for the BMFA, Lozano was responsible for selecting artists and their artworks, writing descriptions for each piece and arranging the pieces in a coherent way that would inspire the public.

Some challenges arose while bringing the exhibit together, such as the gathering of educational information for each individual piece and figuring out where to place them.

Lozano also showcased a ceramics art piece and three of his own paintings, including “Sea Coast,” which he said is meant to depict “harmonious balance.” 

“With [‘Sea Coast,’] I wanted to simplify the landscape and illustrate the connection between the Island’s natural elements, from the emerald green waters to the pristine sand,” he said. “So this painting overall was inspired by the yin-yang symbol.”

Lozano said the artists are used to seeing their work solely on South Padre Island and it makes them feel appreciated to see their work elsewhere.

Among the 13 artists featured is Eva Ryan, a Brownsville native and South Padre Island art gallery owner. Ryan’s paper-cutting art pieces displayed in the exhibit are “Spoonbills,” which features a bird found on South Padre Island; “Sand Castles in the Sky;” and “Winter on the Beach,” which shows cockle shells and dune plants.

She said it is an honor to be part of a local exhibit, especially since it is in her hometown. 

“It meant a lot to me to have a piece of work up at the museum,” Ryan said. “… My heart is really [set] for my community to be able to experience art, to be able to find art in the area. So, of course, being asked to be a part of a show in my own community is really important to me.”

Ryan said Lozano took the subject matter and turned it into an educational opportunity, which was “cool.” 

“Our mission is to encourage the community to learn through the art and for the museum to present exhibitions and educational activities in the exhibits,” said Deyanira Ramirez, executive director of the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art.

Ramirez said the art pieces are meant to encourage people to take care of the ocean and its inhabitants as well as help the artists manifest their love for the ocean.

“I feel calm when I see those waves on the video,” Ramirez said about the impact the exhibit has on her. “… The whole exhibit, it represents the sea and it means a lot because when you get into the gallery, you feel like you’re part of the ocean. Everything is beautiful.”

The museum director invites the community to visit the exhibit.

“Every single artist deserves my respect and also admiration because they put their love and their soul on every single piece,” Ramirez said. 

“By the Sea” will remain open through Feb. 23. The museum is located at 660 E. Ringgold St.