ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
Juan Ramos’s Artpace exhibition Sisyphus Strut presents a reflective and forward-looking exploration of the artist’s career, bridging formative works with new creative directions. Central to the exhibition is Southside Loteria, an installation originally developed during the artist’s 2002 residency at Artpace. This work examines the fluidity of cultural identity, a theme that remains resonant in contemporary society as individuals continually adapt and redefine their sense of self in both physical and digital spaces.
The exhibition features San Antonio locals whose varied perspectives on their surroundings and relationships range from expansive worldviews to intimate personal experiences. These earlier works similarly interrogate identity through distinctive formats such as maps and games, each presenting multiple portraits within a cohesive visual framework.
Sisyphus Strut also offers a preview of Ramos’s long-term project, San Anto Sentinels, a graphic novel currently in development. Displayed in a salon-style arrangement, the selection includes illustrations and text that will form part of the final narrative. Drawing upon regional cultural touchstones, including local music, the exhibition is accompanied by a looping audio track featuring twelve songs from San Antonio bands Sun-Day, Glorium, Sexto Sol, The Please Help, Snowbyrd, High Heavens, and Las Hijas de la Madre.
Art and music have been intertwined in the artist’s life since 1979, when formal art training began alongside an enduring involvement in musical performance. The artist has played in numerous bands since 1983, including the post-punk group Glorium in Austin, whose DIY ethos contributed to the founding of San Anto Cultural Arts, a non-profit community arts organization. Before returning to San Antonio, Juan Ramos initiated Sexto Sol, a multidisciplinary music and visual art project that continues locally. Sisyphus Strut is grounded in a sound and sensibility deeply rooted in San Antonio’s cultural identity.
