Justin Favela, a native of Las Vegas, is renowned for his large-scale installations in cartonería, the traditional Mexican art of piñata making. Through his practice, Favela celebrates his heritage and identity while reflecting themes of Latinidad, cultural appropriation, and art history. His vibrant, immersive creations offer a compelling commentary on the intersections of tradition and contemporary culture. Favela’s work frequently challenges the ways Latine culture is represented and commodified, inviting viewers to reconsider notions of authenticity and cultural ownership.
After over a decade of working with major cultural institutions, Favela is rethinking how he wants to engage with these organizations. His upcoming installation at the Ulrich Museum of Art will reflect on this relationship between the artist and the museum while continuing to address issues central to his practice. This exhibition marks a new chapter in Favela’s work, questioning how art can serve as a platform for personal expression and collective dialogue.
Throughout this installation, we invite our public to consider not only the content of Favela’s work but also the context in which it is presented, asking critical questions about the role of art institutions in shaping narratives and perpetuating stereotyping. Our goal is to challenge traditional boundaries for both the artist and the museum, creating a space to reimagine the possibilities of collaboration, representation, and cultural exchange.
Organized by the Ulrich Museum of Art. Curated by Vivian Zavataro, Executive and Creative Director
We are thankful to Peri Widener for being the lead sponsor of this exhibition. Our 2025 Fall exhibitions and associated programs are made possible by the generosity of Ulrich50 donors, for which the Ulrich is very grateful. The Ulrich extends sincere thanks to members of Ulrich Friends with Benefits, whose ongoing support makes programming possible. The City of Wichita and Wichita State University provide funding support for the Ulrich’s general operations.
