Episode 26: Vicente Telles and Brandon Maldonado

The practice of making and venerating santos (painted or sculpted images of saints) originated in Spain and was carried to territories that fell under Spanish colonial rule. New Mexican santeros (makers of santos) developed distinctive approaches that diverged from the models they found in imported oil paintings, statues, and devotional prints. The Santero tradition flourished from the mid-eighteenth to late-nineteenth centuries before falling into a period of decline. Yet it recovered and thrives today, responding to the needs of both religious devotees and art aficionados.

Artists Vicente Telles and Brandon Maldonado are forging new links in the chain of the continuing story of the people of New Mexico. Telles is firmly rooted in the Santero tradition, while Maldonado describes his work as being heavily inspired by New Mexican folk art. Yet they see their work converging on the critical question: What can and should Santero art be now?

This question is explored in the exhibition Cuentos Nuevomexicanos, on display at MOCRA March 19 – May 21, 2023. Vicente and Brandon sat down with MOCRA Director David Brinker for an interview while they were in town for the opening of the exhibition.

Visit the MOCRA Voices website to learn more about Cuentos Nuevomexicanos and to explore our other episodes.

Recording Engineer and Editor: Mike Schrand
Theme and Incidental Music: Stephen James Neale
Producer: David Brinker

Original release date: 4/27/2023