The Aliento a Tequila (or The Spirit of Tequila) exhibition explores and celebrates the landscape, culture, and traditions that gave birth to tequila, Mexico’s national drink. In this series, photographer Joel Salcido includes the original distilleries that literally founded the industry, as well as several artisanal tequileras committed to the ancestral ways of making tequila from harvest to bottle. Aliento a Tequila opens November 10, 2022, at the IMAS.
Agave dates back to the Aztec civilization as an important crop in Mexico. Since the 1600s, the people of western Mexico have cultivated blue agave from the red volcanic soil that blankets the region, to make what we know as tequila. Salcido traveled across Mexico’s state of Jalisco capturing images of distilleries and artisanal tequileras; blue agave fields at sunset; the agave’s pineapple-like centers, called piñas; elegantly shadowed barrel rooms, called añejos; and the agave farmers themselves.
Salcido’s photographs, together with the bilingual Spanish/English texts, reveal not only the tequila making process but also the region’s traditions of culture and religion. Aliento a Tequila celebrates a craft that is rooted deep in the culture of Mexico and connects viewers with the labor and place that produces this popular spirit.
The exhibition was curated by Roy L. Flukinger, Independent Curator Emeritus and Past Senior Curator of Photography of the Harry Ransom Center, The University of Texas at Austin. Aliento a Tequila is organized by ExhibitsUSA, a program of Mid-America Arts Alliance.
Aliento a Tequila is supported by L&F Distributors.
Aliento a Tequila Member Preview Reception
Tuesday, November 8, 2022, 5:00-7:00 PM
Get a taste of tequila and preview the Aliento a Tequila (or The Spirit of Tequila), an exhibition that explores and celebrates the landscape, culture, and traditions that gave birth to tequila, Mexico’s national drink. In this series, photographer Joel Salcido includes the original distilleries that literally founded the industry, as well as several artisanal tequileras committed to the ancestral ways of making tequila from harvest to bottle. Aliento a Tequila opens November 10, 2022, to the general public. Exhibit sponsored by L&F Distributors.
Registration will open on October 17 for this preview reception.
Tequila & Painting Workshop
Saturday, January 7, 2023, 3:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Be inspired by the stunning photographs by Joel Salcido featured in the newest exhibit Aliento a Tequila (The Spirit of Tequila)! Participants will be guided through an agave plant painting by IMAS artist Roni Cortez. All materials provided, including a 8″x10″ canvas. Tortilla chips and dip and tequila will be served.
21+ event, must provide valid I.D. at event.
Registration opens December 16, 2022
Image Credits
Joel Salcido, El Nido, 2012; archival pigment ink photograph printed on German Hahnemühle
100% rag paper; 20 x 20 inches, Courtesy of the artist.
Joel Salcido, Euforia!, 2012; archival pigment ink photograph printed on German Hahnemühle
100% rag paper; 16 x 24 inches, Courtesy of the artist.
