ABOUT Mr. Perez Meillon

Adalberto Perez Meillon
Painter
Ensenada, Baja California México
 
The paintings of Adalberto Perez Meillon have a graphic art style that is inspired by his study of the ancient and new worlds of northern Mexico often referred to as Casas Grandes, and in particular the pottery designs of Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua. He applies acrylic paints to the soft earth toned amate bark papers, giving the work an organic and ceremonial feel. The color palette is often the powerful combination of brick red and black, like the pigments made from minerals and used as paint on Mata Ortiz pottery.Anthropologist Spencer MacCallum, writing on Perez Meillon,

The Casas Grandes design tradition from which Adalberto Perez Meillon draws much of his inspiration comes from the soil of Chihuahua. This art style, I believe is destined to become one of the great art styles of the world. Already it is coming to symbolize the north of Mexico, which has always been too far removed geographically to identify with the revival of pre-Columbian motifs of mainstream Mexico. MacCallum continues, I believe it will only come fully into its own when it is translated and reinterpreted two-dimensionally. That is not easily done. Therefore I think Mr. Perez Meillon is contributing much more than just the beauty of his painting, which is considerable. By conceiving and executing his work in flat planes, he is helping Chihuahua's own native art style to move into its maturity and become an aesthetic force in the world.

A visit to Galeria Perez Meillon in Ensenada gives one the feel of entering
a museum shop showcasing fine art of the region and cultural artistry. A quality selection of Mata Ortiz pottery can always be found at the gallery. In 2008, the gallery celebrated its 20th anniversary, along with recognition as a major community arts institution in Ensenada.

LECTURES

Tuesday, October 13 - 1:30 PM -2:30 PM SRJC Museum
and
Wednesday, October 14 - 1:30PM - 2:30PM SRJC Museum

For over a thousand years, indigenous people of Baja California, Arizona and Southern California have made earthen pottery for ceremonial purposes as well as cooking, storage and processing of native foods. Today only a handful of artists keep this ancient tradition alive. The artist will speak about his art and the cultures and art of indigenous peoples in Baja California.

PAIPAI and KUMEYAAY ART

Pai Pai territory originally extended from the Gulf of California coast, through the mountain and desert interior to the Pacific Ocean. Pai Pai elders still recall making the trip by foot from their community high in  the mountains down to the Pacific coast beyond San Vicente to collect abalone, or east to work in the cotton harvest in the Mexicali Valley. Today some 350 Pai Pai live in two distinct communities: Santa Catarina in the Sierra Juarez Mountains, and San Isidoro near Trinidad Valley. Many Pai Pai make a living raising livestock, harvesting the natural resources of their land as yucca, pine nuts, honey, and firewood, raising crops and making handcrafts such as pottery.