Model for “Fiesta”

Luis Jiménez, Model for "Fiesta", 1986, cast fiberglass, 19 ³⁄₄ x 20 ¹⁄₄ x 13 in. (50.2 x 51.4 x 33.0 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the General Services Administration, Public Buildings Service, 1987.14.1, © 1986, Luis Jiménez

Artwork Details

Title: Model for “Fiesta”
Artist: Luis Jiménez
Date: 1986
Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum
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Luce Foundation Center
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4th Floor
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50B
Dimensions: 19 ³⁄₄ x 20 ¹⁄₄ x 13 in. (50.2 x 51.4 x 33.0 cm.)
Copyright: © 1986, Luis Jiménez
Credit Line: Transfer from the General Services Administration, Public Buildings Service
Mediums: fiberglass
Mediums Description: cast fiberglass
Classifications: Sculpture
Subjects: Figure group
Mexican
Dress — accessory — hat
Recreation — dancing
Ceremony — dance
Ceremony — festival — fiesta
General Services Administration — Art-in-Architecture Program
Object Number: 1987.14.1
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1987.14.1

Artwork Description

The General Services Administration commissioned Luis Jiménez to make Fiesta—Jarabe for the Otay Mesa border station near San Diego, California. The Mexican couple is dancing a traditional Mexican hat dance, called jarabe. The piece is typical of Jiménez's focus on the Hispanic working class. After the sculpture's installation, some viewers criticized the work for its lack of "respect for Mexican culture" (ARTnews, March 1992). They complained that the woman's dress was Spanish, not Mexican, and too tight, while the man's skin was too dark and he had rolls of fat hanging over his pants. Jiménez defended his piece, explaining that he was presenting "real people in a real situation." This piece is a model for the completed sculpture, which was installed in 1991 and stands about nine feet tall.