El Niño, 1997

For INSITE97 Einar and Jamex de la Torre constructed El Niño, a monumental pyramid based on pre-Hispanic design and iconography. The vinyl and glass structure was installed in the lobby of the CECUT in Tijuana, juxtaposing the contemporary architecture of the space with the ancient motifs on the pyramid. El Niño incorporated symbolism of the demigod that is part holy child, part weather demon, with the El Sexenio, the six-year presidential term that prompts cycles of havoc/progress in the Mexican economy. The interior of the pyramid was visible through glass staircases on the sides of the pyramid, revealing plaster statues of Jesus in a womblike cavern. El Niño captured the intersection of different traditions and lifestyles within the Mexican region that create a hybridization of culture.

Curators: Jessica Bradley, Olivier Debroise, Ivo Mesquita, and Sally Yard
Venue: Centro Cultural, Tijuana

Hilario Barrera
Lucy Goldman
Nora Moore
Margaret Porter Troupe