Central Campus Black Box Gallery Presents Nichos of the Afterlife

An immersive cultural experience inspired by the artist’s Mexican heritage

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the San Jacinto College Central Campus Art Gallery presents Nichos of the Afterlife by Tina Hernandez on Oct. 9. The Black Box Gallery will be transformed into an immersive installation drawn from a photographic series influenced by the tradition of small, colorful Mexican shadow boxes called nichos, traditionally created for the Day of the Dead or el Día de los Muertos.

For this exhibition, the artist will take her photographs one step further, creating life-sized scenes inclusive of everyday items such as a kitchen table, snake plant, cups and plates. The nicho, or small portable box reminiscent of a shrine, now becomes a three-dimensional space where the artist “steps inside,” effectively merging art with life. Against the matte black walls of the small subsidiary gallery space, colorful panels, faux floor mats and a variety of bric-a-brac delight the senses while providing insight into the artist’s Chicana experience and her interest in crafting, prop-making, photography and self-portraiture.

“It is one thing to photograph a set design, it is an entirely different challenge artistically to physically become part of the work. I’m excited to have our students learn about this process and its challenges and for visitors to have the opportunity to experience cultural traditions in an immersive way,” said Carmen Champion, gallery curator.

About the Artist

Tina Hernandez aka “La Libertina” is a first generation Xicana/Tejana and holds a BFA in photography and digital media from the University of Houston main campus. Born in Brownsville, TX she has exhibited her work across the United States and has been a recipient of several awards and grants. She currently resides in Houston, Texas and is a part of the collective Más Que Tres.

Exhibition:

Tina Hernandez: Nichos of the Afterlife

Wednesday, Oct. 9– Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024

Artist Talk:

Wednesday, Oct. 9, 12 p.m.

Admission:

Free and open to the public

Location:

San Jacinto College Central Campus Art Gallery

8060 Spencer Highway

Pasadena, Texas 77505

C21.163

Contact:

Carmen Champion, director/curator

832-279-6229

centralgallery@sjcd.edu