Austin’s Mexic-Arte Museum is currently hosting “Mix’n Mash – En repetición: Los músicos que nos formaron,” an exhibition exploring the profound impact of music on the Latinx community. The show, featuring over 200 canvases, invites artists and viewers alike to reflect on the musicians who have shaped their lives and cultural identities. The exhibit is a vibrant testament to the power of music as a cultural touchstone, offering a visual and emotional journey through the sounds that resonate with a diverse audience.
Established in 1984, Mexic-Arte has long been dedicated to showcasing Latinx art and culture through “innovative exhibitions and educational programming.” This particular exhibition builds on a tradition that began in 2011, where the museum provides blank canvases to community members, encouraging them to express their musical inspirations. The current show, running through March 8, emphasizes accessibility, aiming to create a space where art collecting feels attainable for everyone.
The canvases themselves are a diverse collection, reflecting the wide-ranging musical tastes within the Latinx community. Iconic figures like Selena and Vicente Fernández are prominently featured, alongside depictions of instruments and scenes that evoke personal and collective memories. The exhibition isn’t just about famous artists; it’s about the music that soundtracks lives, from family gatherings to moments of personal reflection. The 12×12 inch canvases offer an intimate scale, drawing viewers closer to the individual expressions of each artist.
Texas State student and emerging artist Bieke Campos created the promotional artwork for the exhibition, utilizing an image of Vicente Fernández. “I wanted to represent the impact that [Vicente Fernandez] has on the Latinx community, and somehow, represent Latin music, Latin art,” Campos explained. Campos employed oil paints and a layering technique to achieve the desired level of detail in the artwork, which now adorns the museum’s website and windows. This isn’t Campos’s first collaboration with Mexic-Arte; they have previously been recognized as Artist of the Month for the museum’s Changarrito art cart, have two pieces in the museum’s permanent collection, and contributed to a Día de los Muertos mural in 2025.
A Community Reflection on Musical Heritage
For Campos, art is inherently communal. “When creating artworks, I don’t represent myself, but something more than myself. I represent my culture, my history, my family, the people I’ve been in contact with,” they stated. This sentiment was palpable at the exhibition’s opening, which curator Luisa Fernanda Perez described as “full, full of community.” Perez noted the joy of sharing creative operate with friends and family, emphasizing the celebratory atmosphere of the event.
The exhibition’s concept originated from a conversation among the museum staff during the installation of a previous show. “We were talking about music and thought: let’s just do it about music,” Perez shared. This spontaneous idea blossomed into a powerful showcase of cultural identity and artistic expression. The museum’s commitment to providing materials – the canvases are donated by Ampersand – underscores its dedication to fostering community participation in the arts.
Supporting Local Artists and Expanding Access to Art
Mexic-Arte’s focus extends beyond exhibition; the museum actively promotes the work of local Austin artists. Visitors are encouraged to view and purchase artwork, supporting the creative economy and building personal collections. The museum believes in democratizing art ownership, creating an environment where individuals who might not typically consider themselves collectors can discover and acquire pieces they connect with. This commitment to accessibility is a core tenet of Mexic-Arte’s mission.
Those interested in seeing more of Bieke Campos’s work can also attend the TEDxUTAustin “Polaris” event on Saturday, March 7, at the Hogg Memorial Auditorium at the University of Texas at Austin. More information about the museum and the exhibition can be found on the Mexic-Arte Museum website.
“Mix’n Mash” offers a compelling glimpse into the heart of the Latinx community in Austin, demonstrating the enduring power of music to inspire, connect, and preserve cultural heritage. As the exhibition concludes on March 8, it leaves a lasting impression, prompting viewers to consider the musicians who have shaped their own stories and the importance of supporting local artists and cultural institutions. We encourage readers to share their own musical inspirations in the comments below and to explore the vibrant arts scene in Austin.
