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Dichos y Bichos II
2007
173 x 121 x 1 5/8 in. (439.42 x 307.34 x 4.13 cm)
Sam Hernandez (Hayward, California, 1948 – 2022) Primary
Artists in Residence: San Jose's 20th Century Vanguard (2016)
Sam Hernandez is an innovative sculptor most known for his work in wood. Japanese saws, African adzes, Native American crook knives, and high-powered sandblasters are a sampling of the repertoire of tools he uses to create his poetic, vigorous works. His experimentation with diverse forms, finishes, and techniques complements the lyricism of works that are characteristically abstract yet also instinctive and expressionistic. The sculptor’s hand is never hidden as he embraces human physicality and organic exploration.
Initial Public Offering: New Works from SJMA’s Permanent Collection (2014)
Primarily known for his innovative work in wood, Sam Hernández creates powerful and poetic abstract sculptures that reference a host of material cultures from Africa to China and Catalonia. He takes actual objects and cast-off parts such as scraps of wood, metal, tin cans, and chairs, and configures them into new works of art that recall the readymades of artist Marcel Duchamp (1887 – 1968). Hernández pays special attention to the aesthetic beauty and unique qualities of each object in order to create elegant, sweeping curvilinear structures.
Dichos y Bichos II features a series of Spanish proverbs or sayings that read together constitute a rhyming play on words. The title provides a clue to the work’s meaning: dichos means “proverbs” while bichos means “little bugs,” which colloquially means “little children.” These parables—many of them witty and facetious—explore the nuances of language and culture as they range from the profound to the profane.
Nuts and Who's: A Candy Store Sampler, August 11, 2023 – February 25, 2024, Gibson Family Gallery and Plaza Gallery, San José Museum of Art.
Artists in Residence: San Jose’s 20th-Century Vanguard, March 11, 2016 - September 18, 2016, New Wing, Second Floor, South Metro A Gallery, San José Museum of Art.
Initial Public Offering: New Works from SJMA’s Permanent Collection, March 1, 2014 - August 24, 2014, New Wing, First floor, Gibson Family Gallery and Plaza Gallery, San José Museum of Art.
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Dichos y Bichos II
2D Mixed Media
2007173 x 121 x 1 5/8 in. (439.42 x 307.34 x 4.13 cm)
Sam Hernandez (Hayward, California, 1948 – 2022) Primary
Object Type: 2D Mixed Media
Medium and Support: Walnut, silver patinated bronze, and gesso
Credit Line: Partial gift of the artist, with additional funds contributed by the Acquisitions Committee.
Accession Number: 2013.11
SJMA Label Text
Artists in Residence: San Jose's 20th Century Vanguard (2016)
Sam Hernandez is an innovative sculptor most known for his work in wood. Japanese saws, African adzes, Native American crook knives, and high-powered sandblasters are a sampling of the repertoire of tools he uses to create his poetic, vigorous works. His experimentation with diverse forms, finishes, and techniques complements the lyricism of works that are characteristically abstract yet also instinctive and expressionistic. The sculptor’s hand is never hidden as he embraces human physicality and organic exploration.
Initial Public Offering: New Works from SJMA’s Permanent Collection (2014)
Primarily known for his innovative work in wood, Sam Hernández creates powerful and poetic abstract sculptures that reference a host of material cultures from Africa to China and Catalonia. He takes actual objects and cast-off parts such as scraps of wood, metal, tin cans, and chairs, and configures them into new works of art that recall the readymades of artist Marcel Duchamp (1887 – 1968). Hernández pays special attention to the aesthetic beauty and unique qualities of each object in order to create elegant, sweeping curvilinear structures.
Dichos y Bichos II features a series of Spanish proverbs or sayings that read together constitute a rhyming play on words. The title provides a clue to the work’s meaning: dichos means “proverbs” while bichos means “little bugs,” which colloquially means “little children.” These parables—many of them witty and facetious—explore the nuances of language and culture as they range from the profound to the profane.
Exhibition
Nuts and Who's: A Candy Store Sampler, August 11, 2023 – February 25, 2024, Gibson Family Gallery and Plaza Gallery, San José Museum of Art.
Artists in Residence: San Jose’s 20th-Century Vanguard, March 11, 2016 - September 18, 2016, New Wing, Second Floor, South Metro A Gallery, San José Museum of Art.
Initial Public Offering: New Works from SJMA’s Permanent Collection, March 1, 2014 - August 24, 2014, New Wing, First floor, Gibson Family Gallery and Plaza Gallery, San José Museum of Art.
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Dimensions
- Installation Dimensions: 173 x 121 x 1 5/8 in. (439.42 x 307.34 x 4.13 cm)
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