Mestizaje: The Feminist Art of Kathy Sosa Foreword by Sandra Cisneros
Derived from the words miscere and genus in Latin, mestizaje refers to a mixing of the races. In the book Mestizaje, internationally acclaimed artist Kathy Sosa presents a cross-sectional view of Mexican American culture as it is practiced in the centuries-old blended culture of the Texas-Mexico borderlands. The imagery and symbolism of puro mestizaje (total mix) figure prominently in Sosa’s work, and it is a mix unique to the borderlands’ historical traditions and myriad cultures. Sosa derives inspiration from and reflects a bold palette of strong female figures. Celebrating what the women of these borderlands think, feel, and revere culturally, she explores the roles of indigenous traditions, colors, and textiles. Supplemented with dual-language essays in English and Spanish by art critics, collectors, and historians, Mestizaje rejoices in feminist notions of blended cultures and opens readers’ eyes to the lessons they offer and what they tell us about America today.
Praise for Mestizaje:
“Mestizaje honors women and is a joyous riot of patterns and colors inspired by the vibrancy of Tehuantepec huipiles and American quilts. Kathy Sosa’s palette leaps across borders in a trajectory that celebrates opposites such as Mexican trees of life morphing into Byzantine iconography. She gathers inspiration from across the globe and, ultimately, makes the art her own.”
— Sandra Cisneros
"A veritable feast for the eye that elucidates the comingling of contemporary and historical cultural influences in Sosa’s work. Especially recommended for libraries in border states."
— Daryl Grabarek, Library Journal
