This post contains project overview text for Almendroides, Aliens & Indígenas by Eduardo Lozano.
Almendroides, Aliens & Indígenas delves into Guillermo Estrada´s universe, led by his fictional character, Rancho Shampoo. The exhibition explores the significance of a cookie called Almendroide, which is essential for connecting with other dimensions. It also investigates themes such as a person’s paranormal or residential status and the origins of a native individual from a specific territory. Through these themes, the exhibition examines how we engage with our personal narratives and, through these interactions, connect with other dimensions.
During his MFA studies at UCSD, Estrada introduced the concept of “aliendigenismo,” blending the terms “alien” and “indigenous.” This concept essentially describes “a way or channel you use to move from one place to another.” Building on this, the term “aliendígena” refers to a person capable of crossing various boundaries—natural, artificial, spiritual, cosmic, and those of the underworld. Utilizing the autohistoria concept proposed by Gloria Anzaldúa, Estrada presents this exhibition as a lens into Rancho Shampoo’s world, primarily shaped by his own life experiences and background as a historian. Aligned with the idea of autohistoria, Estrada fictionalizes his experiences to create a new reality. He recognizes the critical role of history, including how stories, myths, and heroes are constructed. In this exhibition, the theme of grief inspires him to explore the unknown, along with the boundaries separating territories, consciousness, and dimensions.
Estrada showcases a variety of artistic media, including installations, video, drawings, and sculptures. At the center of the gallery lies the Almendroide, which serves as the focal point connecting the rest of the artwork. Wall one features a human figure representing someone still on this earthly plane. The middle wall displays a video that suggests a bridge between dimensions. Wall three presents another human figure potentially situated in a different dimension. This time, the artist is more aware and conscious of his creative process, his ideas, and ways of representation.
In this exhibition, Guillermo Estrada explores the fragmentation of this universe created for Rancho Shampoo. He introduces new characters and gives us new hints of this universe. Also, he explores the power of language and how Spanish and English combine to create a cohesive identity between worlds—exploring the simultaneous separation and connection between the alien and the indigenous. And finally, the artist poses essential questions: Are these vestiges traces from the past, present, or future? How can we stay connected with those who are no longer physically present? What methods allow us to communicate with other worlds and dimensions? How do we cross those borders between here and there? Or, did the border cross us, and we are living in a limbo waiting to be reunited?
