Mariana Castillo Deball: Finding Oneself Outside

The title of the exhibition dedicated to Mariana Castillo Deball at New Museum describes a feeling encountered both in studying history and experiencing an unfamiliar culture. “Finding Oneself Outside” investigates the artist’s research in the ways that culture and heritage are produced and authenticated, with a special focus on the Mesoamerican iconography and narratives which still permeate modern cultures of Central America. The works and installations on view reflect Deball’s interests, such as the specially commissioned inlaid wood floor installation, inspired by an early colonial map of San Pedro Teozacoalco, Mexico.

On view also the series of perforated books “Do ut des” (2014–19), the “Mathematical Distortions” (2012), investigating the shifts which occur in knowledge, and her large-scale sculpture “No solid form can contain you” (2010), made of panels reassembled from the statue of a Mesoamerican goddess.