Benjamin Muñoz's 'Sanctuary or (Various Places of Solace)' at Ellen Noël Art Museum

The Ellen Noël Art Museum in Odessa, Texas, is currently showcasing Benjamin Muñoz's solo exhibition titled 'Sanctuary or (Various Places of Solace),' which will run until August 30, 2026. This exhibition highlights chiaroscuro woodcut prints that delve into themes such as sanctuary, nostalgia, and the immigrant experience. Notable pieces include 'West Side,' illustrating an abandoned taqueria adorned with graffiti and a marquee stating 'I cover you in the blood of Jesus,' and 'Cole Park,' featuring a letter board that reads 'Don't Stay Long.' Additionally, 'American Apprehension' (2025) critiques the American Dream with a sign proclaiming 'Social mobility & other American legends,' while 'Contract Labor' (2024) depicts skeletal migrant workers amidst a strawberry bushel, accompanied by a traffic light and a rosary. The 'Endless Endeavor' series (2017–2019) presents surreal compositions incorporating objects like a Game Boy and a fish. Muñoz's prints reflect on intergenerational immigrant families and challenge the notion of upward mobility, providing a contemplative rather than escapist sanctuary. The exhibition received a review from Glasstire, featuring installation photographs by Amanda Holstien.