The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis (CAM) announces a new solo exhibition of works by Las Vegas-based artist Justin Favela. Known for his vivid large-scale murals and sculptures, Favela will create a new site-specific installation inspired by lowrider culture and St. Louis’ connection to Route 66. The installation will feature the artist’s bold, colorful designs and signature hand-cut paper technique on the Museum’s 60-foot Project Wall. The exhibition will also include a new video work as part of CAM’s outdoor Street Views projection, on view from dusk to midnight every night. Justin Favela: Ruta Madre will be on view at CAM from September 8, 2023–February 11, 2024.

Favela’s creative practice explores notions of authenticity, place, and identity through the use of familiar materials. Drawing inspiration from traditional Mexican or Latin American craft, specifically piñata making, Favela uses paper and glue to create dynamic and monumental forms. His piñata-like sculptures and installations become vibrant symbols of Latinx joy and visibility. Informed by his own Mexican-Guatemalan American upbringing, Favela’s colorful and often humorous works aim to critique cultural stereotypes and create public dialogue around what it means to be Latinx in the US. 

As part of the exhibition programming for Ruta Madre, Favela and his family will present a Family Fiesta at CAM during the fall exhibition season, inviting hundreds of guests to participate in traditional Mexican and Guatemalan games and activities. In keeping with the artist’s socially-engaged practice, Favela frequently activates his artwork by hosting Family Fiestas at museums and in unexpected locations. These public performances of the artist’s own family celebrations are designed to attract new museum audiences and draw attention to institutional inclusion efforts.

This exhibition is generously supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, Nancy and Kenneth Kranzberg, and the Whitaker Foundation. Street Views is generously supported by Gateway Foundation and the Whitaker Foundation. The artist talk is sponsored by the Robert Lehman Foundation.

Justin Favela: Ruta Madre is organized for the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis by Misa Jeffereis, Associate Curator.

Image: Justin Favela, Valley of Oaxaca, after José María Velasco, 2018. Paper and glue on board, 42 x 63 1/4 inches. Courtesy the artist. Photo courtesy The Berman Museum of Art.