‘You are larger than yourself’: How giant statues at Fresno State help students reconnect

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The “Alebrijes & Nahuales: Fantastic Animals” art installations at Fresno State, Fresno City College, and Arte Americas are meant to share the work of artisanal Oaxacan artists, but there’s more to the giant statutes than that.

Fresno State President Saul Jimenez Sandoval says alebrijes symbolize spiritual guides, and all students from all walks of life can appreciate their beauty and artistry. 

“It’s exciting to have these giant alebrijes in the heart of our campus for the next two months. I’m deeply grateful to Arte Americas for their partnership,” Sandoval said. “It’s also great to see them at night, as they light up. The sculptures have only been on campus a few days, and already we are seeing students stop between classes, taking photos of them.”

Fresno State Associate Professor Dr. Luis Fernando Macias echoed President Sandoval’s message. He also says that though the enormous works of art are undoubtedly impressive, they’re also culturally significant.

“Having the Alebrijes and Nahuales exhibit here is the example of why it is so important to have community and educational partnerships,” Macias said. “That opens up the door to talk about, ‘How is it that Alebrijes became part of Mexico’s cultural tradition?'”

Each “Alebrijes and Nahuales” statue is crafted from fiberglass with an internal metallic armature and is said to stand at 20 feet tall, weighing about 2,200 pounds. The exhibit comprises reproductions of original sculptures by featured artists and artesanos, but also includes some original works of art.

According to Macias, the history of alebrijes can be traced back to cartonería artist Pedro Linares, who first envisioned alebrijes in the early 1950s during a fever dream.

“That then takes its inspiration from the woodworking of Oaxaca, then takes its inspiration from the surrealism that is Mexico,” Macias said. “That surrealism then gets transported to the United States.”

According to Macias, the history of the alebrijes can also help open doors for students across cultures and help Latino students see themselves and their identities reflected.

“What has been really exciting is seeing how a lot of the cultural invitations that a lot of the cultural openings here at Fresno have really advanced,” Macias said. “This is art from my culture that enriches the Central Valley. We can all learn from and we can all appreciate Oaxaca a little bit more, and then we can use that as an invitation to learn more about the immigrant experience.”

Macias says that message, made possible through the large sculptures, is important to highlight, as now more than ever, “Latino identity is under threat.”

“Assimilation and the way we work with the term in our classes means the forced erasure,” Macias said. “For many years, people were prohibited from speaking their native language, be it Spanish or indigenous languages. Students would get physically beaten if they spoke these languages.”

According to Macias, assimilating continues to be a survival tactic within the Latino community, but the problem with assimilation is the loss of connection to one’s culture and identity.

“Downplaying certain parts of their culture leaves you in limbo. ‘Who am I, really? If I’ve been forced to change this part of my identity?'” Macias said. “The important thing about maintaining these traditions is that it gives you a sense that you are larger than yourself. You are part of a collective that is incredibly rich, that is incredibly complicated.”

Anyone who would like to see Alebrijes & Nahuales: Fantastic Animals for themselves has until Dec. 7 to admire the cultural exhibition. Those seeking more information can visit the Arte Américas website.