Royvi Hernandez here, on a mission to see all eight of the large Alebrijes y Nahuales: Fantastical Animals of Mexico installations throughout Salinas. So far I've seen five of these 20-foot-tall animal sculptures, which means I'm more than halfway there.
On Friday, July 31, I attended the grand opening of the art exhibit at the Northridge Mall, where three of these sculptures of Oaxacan traditions are placed.
The event took place inside the mall near the food court, in front of JCPenney, where one of the sculptures (my favorite so far), a colorful illuminated rabbit with floral and dove bird designs holding a watermelon, grabs the attention of everyone walking inside the mall. There I met Romain Greco, the art director of the exhibit.
“The whole idea is to celebrate Latin people and to share the richness and cultural identity of the Mexican people,” Greco says. “It’s beautiful to see many people come to see this art. I’m very grateful to the people of Salinas.”
Elizabeth Jiménez, co-executive director of Mujeres En Acción, met Greco when she visited Guanajuato, Mexico alongside Salinas Mayor Dennis Donohue last year and was able to connect Greco to the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce to make this exhibit possible.
“We don't get this every day in Salinas, so this is awesome,” Jiménez says. “I'm going to take my pictures when visiting each sculpture.”
Outside the mall in the parking lot near Highway 101 are two other sculptures: the lionbull and the catbird.
“I think it's a wonderful way for the Oaxacan artists to be introduced across the border and to show that they have a spirit of love and creativity they want to share with the world,” Salinas resident Maria Elena Cordero says. “It’s exciting and moving and it nourishes the soul.”
On Monday, Aug. 3, I saw the coyote at One Main Street and the dog outside the Star Market, which unlike the rest of the sculptures, is the least colorful, painted mostly black.
My mission over the rest of the week is to see the happy alien sculpture placed at the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex, the cat at Vineyard Church and the armadillo at Sherwood Hall.
Thirty small, original versions of fantastical animals will be available for public viewing. The opening of this exhibit will be held at One Main Street on Friday, Aug. 7 from 5-6:30pm.
The closing event of this month-long exhibit will be held on Friday, Sept. 4.