Collaborative New Exhibition Aims to Build Bridges Between Art Communities in Texas and Mexico

A creative response to “a time when borders seem more like barriers,” Cinnabar’s “Puente*Bridge” marks a collaboration with San Antonio-based artist Ernesto Ibañez and his Arte International, an agency designed to connect Latin American artists with U.S. galleries and corporate buyers. Aiming to “build a bridge between the art community in Texas and Mexico,” the group show brings together works by eight artists — including Ibañez, who’s best  known for animal sculptures covered with remarkably soft-looking layers rendered with thousands of nails. Beyond strong ties to the city of Guadalajara, “Puente*Bridge” finds a bit of common ground in the medium of painting — although genres and approaches vary wildly, ranging from from stylized realism (Patricia Sanchez Saiffe) and playful pop (Roberto Morleghem) to conceptual portraiture (Carlos Torres) and collage-inspired mashups (Cinthia Nuez). Free, opening reception 6-9pm Thu, Jun. 22, on view noon-6pm Wed-Sun through Aug. 13, Cinnabar Art Gallery, 1420 S. Alamo St., Suite 147, (210) 557-6073, cinnabarart.com.