PÚRPURA: Del Nopal al Papel (From cactus to paper) | Noé Jacinto

The Mexican Cultural Institute is delighted to present Púrpura: From Cactus to Paper, an exhibition by artist Noé Jacinto. Rooted in memory, culture, and lived experience, Jacinto’s work explores the intricate relationship between identity, material, and history. His practice reflects a deep commitment not only to his craft but also to the communities, traditions, and environments that shape it.

This exhibition pays tribute to the artistic sensibility and human values embedded in traditional garments, particularly the faldas de enredo (pozahuancos) worn by Mixtec women. These textiles embody spirituality, ancestry, and a refined visual language passed down through generations.

At the heart of the exhibition is the color purple, derived from the sustainable “milking” of the Plicopurpura pansa mollusk—a technique so precise it preserves the life of the creature. This ancient practice finds a contemporary parallel in Jacinto’s use of cochineal, through which he constructs a vivid and expansive visual universe. Inspired by the richness of Mexico’s coastline, the artist creates compositions that invite quiet contemplation, opening a dialogue between landscape, tradition, and the human experience.

Noé Jacinto is a Mexican painter born in the coastal region of Oaxaca. The exhibition is hosted by the Embassy/Cultural Center of Mexico at the Mexican Cultural Institute, located at 2829 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20009. Please visit the provided RSVP link for more details.