San Pablo Cultural Center, Oaxaca

[bixaorellana]

This is a place I visit rather frequently, as there is often something going on. Also, the visually stunning complex covers a block and can be transversed from parallel streets in the city center, making for a relaxing and pleasant cut-through rather than squaring a block when walking downtown.

I've taken and posted pictures of the center here and there on Anyport, but at the moment can only locate this group from 2012, when the center was newly opened. See replies #12, 13, 14, & 15.
But for more in-depth historical and architectural information, take a look at this article.

Since I hadn't been taking any pictures of the place with the view toward a report, this is more of a series of snaps which I hope will give a sense of this very lovely space.
The first group of photos were taken on October 3rd, 2018.

Entering one of the enclosed walkways bordering the very large cloister, you're greeted by musicians ~



A center employee graciously posed so I could show the size of the musicians ~



One side of the cloister is occupied by an airy three-story structure of glass and steel. The upper floors house a library
and the bottom floor is used to host art exhibitions and installations of cultural and historical significance.

This one had to do with thread, thus the giant spindles ~





It's always fun and interesting to wander deeper into the building ~









Frangipani in pots ~

[bixaorellana]

I visited San Pablo Cultural Center again the other day, February 3rd, 2019. Again there was a striking installation ~

[bixaorellana]

The musicians are still here, but now in their own alcove ~









This small shallow fountain is placed arrestingly off center in the cloister floor. Usually empty, this day it was populated ~





More wandering through the building ~



It's winter now and the frangipani have lost their leaves ~



Ascending the first flight of stairs, I come upon something absolutely wonderful. The arched window would typically have fat wooden turned railings.
The originals undoubtedly rotted out long ago and some genius decided to render them in glass instead. They knock me out ~





And so out into the perfect light of late afternoon in winter.

Until next time ~

[bjd]

What a lovely place. Nice to see an old building restored so simply so that the architecture stands out but doesn't overwhelm the exhibits. And I agree with you about the glass window pillars. Great idea.

[mossie]

This is something much superior to the normal arty crafty rubbish we get.

[kerouac2]

The delightful figurines looked miniature. But the fact that they are life size is perhaps even more amazing.

[cheerypeabrain]

What a brilliant place, I'm not a big fan of installation art as you know Bixa 🙂 but these at least have some integrity and are well made. Love the glass window bars,the spindles and the beautiful wooden benches. Fab.

[bixaorellana]

Hey ~ thanks to all of you! It is so gratifying to know that the place works its magic on people even in pictures. Bjd perfectly sums up how the very simplicity highlights the beauty. Kerouac, I would love to tell you more about the musicians, but so far you know all I know. Mossie, often the exhibitions are those making the international rounds, so tend to be rather good. Cheery, I know what you mean about installation art & in fact I have to sort of make myself look at it, with varying reactions. As you say, when there is integrity and good craftsmanship, it can be tolerable to enjoyable.

[lagatta]

This is wonderful. Any good articles in Spanish?

[bixaorellana]

Thanks, LaGatta. Here is a good long one, but if you google "centro cultural san pablo oaxaca" there is more. www.oaxaca-mio.com/atrac_turisticos/exconvento_sanpablo.htm

This is a nice video. In the sidebar you'll see another covering the library, but I haven't looked at that one yet ~

[breeze]

When an exhibition space is uncrowded, the way this one is, it's so much easier to absorb and appreciate what's on display. It's a bonus for you, bixa, that you pass through often and can catch whatever is new. I love the musicians--their stances, their puffed-out cheeks, their concentrated expressions, all the details of their sandals and shirts.

[lagatta]

Thanks for the videos in Spanish and the link to google; good to have such interesting subject matter. I'm pleased to have understood everything in the videos I've viewed.

I really need an immersion course somewhere. I read serious academic books and articles in Spanish, but still have problems not mixing in Italian when speaking. Oh sure, I can shop in Spanish in Latino (and the few Spanish) shops here, but that is the ba-ab of language.