September 25 - January 24, 2021
From the Briscoe Western Art Museum:
“The Briscoe Western Art Museum will transport everyone to the birthplace of the modern cowboy during its fall exhibition, Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo: Contemporary Photography of the Northern Mexican Cowboy. Making its United States debut at the Briscoe, Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo features celebrated photographer Werner Segarra inviting audiences to peer into the world of the Norteño Cowboys from Sonora, Mexico – not as a casual tourist, but as an intimate observer. With almost 60 images that span more than 20 years of the lives of the vaqueros, Segarra showcases the expansive landscape, their daily work, and the intimacy of their homes, not merely documenting the vaquero, but bringing forward through his images both meaning and a celebration of his subjects and their way of life. A series of opening events that includes a documentary, artist’s lecture and tours spans Sept. 23-26. Following a preview party on Sept. 24, the exhibition opens to the public Sept. 25, 2021 – Jan. 24, 2022.
Showcasing the people, the community and the landscape, Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo takes you into the little-known culture of the cowboys of Sonora, Mexico, sharing aspects of their daily lives through the eyes and lens of Segarra. The exhibition is the result of 20 years of work in which the artist has managed to capture the essence of the lifestyle and traditions of the inhabitants of the region. The photographs share the unique, passionate and strenuous life that these vaqueros lead. The exhibition is accompanied by Norteño music especially created by Leo Lopez accompanies the exhibition. Video clips further illustrating the stories captured in the photographs are woven throughout the exhibition.
A professional photographer for more than 30 years, Segarra has participated in numerous group and individual exhibitions in various international galleries and museums. Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo showcases the lives and people Segarra has encountered by immersing himself in the Mexican cowboy world.
Inspiration for Segarra’s work comes from personal experience after living in various countries around the world during his childhood and adolescence. Knowledge acquired throughout those years cultivated Segarra’s artistic sensitivity and respect for native cultures. The most significant encounter and inspiration for this exhibition was a student exchange that took him to northern Mexico. That experience captivated and motivated him to transmit his love and respect for this culture and share it with the rest of the world.
Exhibition opening events include:
- “The Making Of” Vaqueros
Documentary Screening with Werner Segarra and Ellen Riojas Clark
Instituto Cultural de Mexico
Thursday, Sept. 23, 6 – 8 p.m.
Join the Briscoe at the Instituto Cultural de Mexico for a documentary screening and conversation with distinguished guest Ellen Riojas Clark, Ph. D., Professor Emerita in the Department of Bicultural Studies at University of Texas at San Antonio, and Werner Segarra, photographer of Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo: Contemporary Photography of the Northern Mexican Cowboy. A highly respected scholar, Dr. Clark’s received three National Endowment for the Humanities grants focused on Mexican American and Latino literature and culture research examines ethnic and cultural identity and cultural studies topics and is executive producer for the “Latino Artist Speaks: Exploring Who I Am” series. The event is free and open to the public.
- Exclusive Preview Party: Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo
Friday, Sept. 24, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
The Jack Guenther Pavilion at the Briscoe Western Art Museum
Join photographer Werner Segarra and Briscoe CEO and President Michael Duchemin, Ph.D., for the first look at Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo: Contemporary Photography of the Northern Mexican Cowboy. The event includes complimentary valet, beer, wine, specialty cocktails and light bites. Free for Briscoe members and $25 for future members, RSVP or purchase tickets by Sept 20. Tickets are also available by calling 210.299.4499.
- Artist Lecture: Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo with Werner Segarra and John Philip Santos
Briscoe Western Art Museum
Saturday, Sept. 25, 1 – 3 p.m.
Listen in as Werner Segarra and guest moderator John Philip Santos take a closer look at how the videos and photographs of Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo were created and what inspired Segarra to pursue the subject. Following the lecture, Segarra will sign copies of his book, “Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo”, available at the Museum Store. The lecture and signing are free with museum admission.
A member of the board of directors of the Briscoe Western Art Museum, John Philip Santos serves as a University Distinguished Scholar in Mestizo Cultural Studies to the Honors College at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He is the author of the acclaimed book, “Places Left Unfinished at the Time of Creation”, as well as “The Farthest Home Is in an Empire of Fire”. Santos has created an international forum for exploring mestizo cultural identity, or mestizaje, at UTSA and As an Emmy-nominated television producer, he has produced more than 40 broadcast documentaries and news programs on cultural themes in 16 countries for CBS and PBS.
- Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo Artist Tour with Werner Segarra
Briscoe Western Art Museum
Sunday, Sept. 26, 1 – 3 p.m.
Join photographer Werner Segarra for a guided tour through Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo. Peer into the world of the Northern Mexican vaquero as an intimate observer and discover how Segarra was able to capture the life of the vaquero and a way of life that is on the brink of disappearing. Free with museum admission.
Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo is supported in part by the Elizabeth Huth Coates Charitable Foundation of 1992, the Betty Stieren Kelso Foundation, and the Texas Commission on the Arts, with special consideration to the Wyatt Family Foundation. Visit BriscoeMuseum.org for more exhibition events and programming.
Showcasing Art and Artifacts of the West
From its McNutt Sculpture Garden to the museum’s beautifully restored historic home inside the former San Antonio Public Library building, the Briscoe’s collection spans 14 galleries, with special exhibitions, events and a fantastic Museum Store, providing art, culture, history and entertainment. Museum hours, parking and admission details are available online.
About The Briscoe Western Art Museum: Preserving and presenting the art, history and culture of the American West through engaging exhibitions, educational programs and public events reflective of the region’s rich traditions and shared heritage, the Briscoe Western Art Museum is located on the San Antonio River Walk at 210 W. Market Street in the beautifully restored 1930s former San Antonio Public Library building. Named in honor of the late Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr. and his wife, Janey Slaughter Briscoe, the museum includes the three-story Jack Guenther Pavilion, used for event rentals and programs, and the outdoor McNutt Sculpture Garden. Follow the Briscoe on social media, @BriscoeMuseum.”
On View: September 25, 2021 | 1–5 pm
210 West Market
San Antonio, 78205 TX
210-299-4499
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