In 1972, Einar and Jamex de la Torre, aged nine and 12, respectively, relocated from Guadalajara, Mexico, to Southern California with their family. Drawing from their immigrant background and the complexities of bicultural identity, the de la Torre brothers embarked on a creative journey, delving into sculptures and installations that explored a wide array of themes such as time, religion, traditions, and regionalism.
Since the 1990s, the duo has collaborated to merge blown glass and mixed media into large-scale wall pieces and striking public art installations. Their latest exhibition, “Collidoscope: de la Torre Brothers Retro-Perspective,” at the Corning Museum of Glass, showcases 40 works spanning nearly three decades of their artistic career.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is a monumental commission titled “Meteorite dall’ Influenza Veneziana,” which pays homage to the rich history of Venetian and Murano glass. While Murano glass is exclusive to pieces crafted on the small Italian island, the de la Torre brothers play with the idea that their technique “hit the glassblowing world like a meteorite” once it escaped.
Known for their additive approach, the de la Torre brothers intricately layer meaning and material into their creations. Up close, vibrant colors and ironic details like symbols for a car battery or engine light emerge, transforming into energetic patterns when viewed from a distance.
Currently splitting their time between San Diego and the Guadalupe Valley of Baja California, Mexico, the artists infuse their work with a playful interplay of American and Mexican motifs. Many of their pieces incorporate Mexican-specific symbols, such as the iconic circular Aztec calendar, merging mechanical gears, shells, religious iconography, anatomy, and more into their maximalist compositions.
The new commission created at the Corning Museum’s studio seamlessly integrates Venetian details like cane work, inspired by the hot shop team’s experience with the style. Einar emphasizes the importance of realizing the artists’ vision and expresses gratitude for the support received for this commission.
The “Collidoscope” exhibition runs until January 5 in Corning, New York, offering a glimpse into the diverse and dynamic world of the de la Torre brothers’ artistry. For more information, visit their website.
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