Yonke EncontraDOS: Rasquachismo Celebrated at Laredo Center for the Arts
The Laredo Center for the Arts will host the exhibition 'Yonke EncontraDOS' from June 5 to August 7, 2026, showcasing the talents of artists Ruben Luna and Gilberto Rocha. This event, curated by Rigoberto Luna, builds on the idea of rasquachismo, a term coined by Tomás Ybarra-Frausto in 1989. The title alludes to 'junk' and marks the duo's second partnership following their work at Presa House in San Antonio. Their artworks reflect Latino ingenuity while exploring the underlying circumstances. Notable pieces include Rocha's 'Between Two Worlds,' which features a book on Mexican immigrants, and Luna's 'Chill,' a response to George Floyd's death. Additionally, Rocha's 'Casa de cambio' critiques divorce, while Luna's 'Portrait of Victoria' pays tribute to his wife, with both artists addressing mental health and border food culture through their site-specific creations.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Yonke EncontraDOS' ran from June 5 to August 7, 2026, at Laredo Center for the Arts.
- Artists Ruben Luna and Gilberto Rocha explore rasquachismo, a term reclaimed by Tomás Ybarra-Frausto in 1989.
- Curated by Rigoberto Luna, the show's title references 'junk' and the two artists.
- First iteration was at Presa House in San Antonio; Laredo is closer to Rocha's upbringing.
- Rocha's 'Between Two Worlds' includes a book on Mexican immigrants and a cassette by Los Tigres del Norte.
- Luna's 'Chill' features a deflated police baton and neon sign, inspired by George Floyd's murder.
- Rocha's 'Casa de cambio' uses a wedding portrait to discuss divorce and social expectations.
- Rocha's upcoming project 'Casa de cambios' will occur at 504 Convent Avenue in Laredo.
- Collaborative work 'Lo que sobra, es lo que hay' focuses on border food culture.
- Artists aim to celebrate inventiveness and prompt dialogue about conditions creating poverty.
Entities
Artists
- Ruben Luna
- Gilberto Rocha
- Rigoberto Luna
- Tomás Ybarra-Frausto
- George Floyd
Institutions
- Laredo Center for the Arts
- Presa House
- Glasstire
- MARS (Movimiento Artístico del Río Salado)
Locations
- Laredo
- San Antonio
- Phoenix
- Arizona
- Texas
- Nuevo Laredo
- Convent Avenue