Ball State University’s Arts Alive! series continues this Spring with a presentation by multidisciplinary artist Justin Favela at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, at Sursa Performance Hall.
The event, made possible by the College of Fine Arts (CFA) and the Arts Alive! program, is free and open to the public. A catered reception will follow. Parking is available in the McKinley Parking Garage (entrance on Ashland Avenue) south of Sursa Hall, and is free after 7 p.m.
Based in Las Vegas, Mr. Favela is known for his large-scale installations and sculptures that explore themes of identity, culture, and place through vibrant, piñata-inspired works. His art has been exhibited internationally and across the United States, including at the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, The Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, and El Museo del Barrio in New York. Mr. Favela is a 2021 Joan Mitchell Foundation Fellow and is currently the artist in residence at the Kohler Arts and Industry program in Wisconsin.
“Justin Favela’s work offers a vibrant exploration of culture and identity,” said Dr. Seth Beckman, CFA dean. “We’re pleased to share this dynamic artistic experience with the community.”
Mr. Favela’s artistic practice blends art history, Latinx culture, community, and pop culture, creating immersive works that challenge institutional hierarchies and celebrate the everyday.
“As a multidisciplinary artist, I am interested in exploring the notions of authenticity, place, and identity using familiar materials to make large-scale installations, sculptures, and paintings,” Mr. Favela said. “My interest in art history, Latinx culture, community, celebration, home, and my obsession with pop culture inform my practice with the intention of dismantling institutional hierarchies.”
Arts Alive! aims to make arts and entertainment more accessible to students and the surrounding community. The series includes events from Ball State’s David Owsley Museum of Art, Emens Auditorium, the School of Art, the School of Music, and the Department of Theatre and Dance.
To learn more, contact the College of Fine Arts at 765-285-5495 or CFAadmin@bsu.edu.