Beyond the mask

Carved masks, colorful dance regalia and larger-than-life figures fill the galleries at the Las Cruces Museum of Art, offering visitors a closer look at traditions that continue to thrive in communities across the Mexican state of Michoacán. 

Now on view after opening July 17, “Dancing with Life: Mexican Masks,” brings together historic and contemporary masks, dance regalia and photographs that examine the history, artistry and cultural significance of ceremonial traditions in Mexico’s Michoacán region while emphasizing that the traditions remain vibrant today. 

Jennifer McClung, curator of exhibits for Las Cruces Museums, said the museum was eager to bring the traveling exhibition to Las Cruces because it offers something many visitors may not otherwise have an opportunity to experience. 

“There’s a lot of people that don’t think that folk art qualifies as art,” McClung said. “So we were thinking it would just be a nice way to bring some folk art and show people that these are artists.” 

She said the exhibition also highlights the time and dedication behind every piece, with some masks taking months to carve and dance regalia requiring up to a year to complete. 

“It also just shows the importance to the communities in Michoacán of these dances, and that they’re willing to put that much labor and time and money into creating these things for that dance,” McClung said. 

For guest curator Dr. Pavel Shlossberg, one of the exhibition’s biggest goals is challenging the idea that these traditions belong only to the past. 

“People think somehow these are disappearing traditions,” Shlossberg said. “And that’s not true. They’re very vibrant. They’re living, contemporary traditions.” 

That message carries throughout the gallery. Masks carved by artists including Felipe de Jesús Horta Tera and Juan José Horta appear alongside full dance regalia, while contemporary figures such as Pennywise from It share space with traditional characters. Rather than breaking with tradition, Shlossberg said those additions reflect the way communities continue telling stories through humor, satire, and everyday life. 

“They’ll incorporate things from pop culture,” Shlossberg said. “There’s all sorts of social and political commentary — a lot of satire, a lot of irony.” 

Years spent working in Michoacán also shaped Shlossberg’s own connection to the communities represented in the exhibition. 

“I have friendships for a lifetime,” he said. “People taking the time to talk to you… then coming and sharing at the table… you’re spending time with family, you’re breaking bread.” 

One of the exhibition’s most personal pieces reflects those relationships. Artist Héctor Ramos carved a clown mask in Shlossberg’s likeness, and the mask was later worn during a pastorela performance. Rather than seeing it as being singled out, Shlossberg said the experience reflected the warmth and humor that define the celebrations. 

“I’m actually being invited in and seen and recognized and acknowledged,” he said. “It’s also a form of mutual respect.” 

McClung said she hopes visitors leave with a broader appreciation for both the artwork and the culture behind it. 

“I’m hoping that that’s kind of what people also come away with, is this idea of having legacy, having history, but living in contemporary times, and how humans… have always had to adapt, but also embrace their history and culture,” McClung said. 

“Dancing with Life: Mexican Masks,” continues through Oct. 17 at the Las Cruces Museum of Art, on 491 N. Main St.