"Guerrero reclaims the execution of work as both a technical and intellectual endeavor inseparable from conceptual content. " – William Ganis, Glass Magazine
Through his large-scale glass sculptures, Jaime Guerrero has explored issues of identity and belonging, seeking to highlight the human dimension of our fraught contemporary American social and political climate.
“Since the beginning of human communities, trees have had immense and tangible significance to our existence,” Guerrero explains. “Trees are essential to life, biologically and culturally, and hold a special place in both our collective unconscious and cross-cultural ideas and practices. Societies across the globe recognize the symbolic elements of trees—the leafy canopies that reach up to the heavens, as the roots penetrate to the underworld. Throughout history, trees have held deep significance for humans and almost every culture has assigned them with celestial and religious symbolism.”
For this new and site-specific installation, Guerrero has created a glass tree using blown, sculpted, and flame-worked elements. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences, as well as from folklore, myth, ritual, and spirituality, Guerrero creates a communal environment that brings people together for reflection and healing.
As visitors explore the installation, Guerrero invites them to engage with a response station located within the gallery. This space provides an opportunity for visitors to leave messages, heartfelt notes, or even prayers, whether they are directed toward ancestors, loved ones, or others who have been lost.
On View: September 22, 2023 — January 21, 2024
This exhibition is organized by the Chrysler Museum of Art.
Jaime is working to fund a project to bring glassblowing to systemically underserved youth in Los Angeles. After working with the Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC) in South LA for years, Jaime is inspired to continue teaching despite WLCAC’s closing of their glassblowing studio. Jaime is raising funds through Kickstarter to purchase glassblowing equipment to set up a workshop in his East Los Angeles studio. This will enable him to offer free classes/workshops to local youth and give them not only an art form to express themselves but a positive outlet in an area where resources are lacking.
August 26, 2015
Jaime’s latest exhibition, Breaking Point, opens at San Jose’s MACLA/ Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana. The opening reception will be held June 5 from 6-11 pm, coinciding with the International Glass Art Society (GAS) 2015 Conference taking place in the heart of Silicon Valley June 5-7. Jaime and Viviana Parades use glass in this 2-person show to explore contemporary social issues and cultural customs. This is the first exhibit held at MACLA. The exhibit runs from June 5 – August 8, 2015.
MACLA is an inclusive contemporary arts space grounded in the Chicano/Latino experience that incubates new visual, literary, and performance art in order to engage people in civic dialogue and community transformation.
June 3, 2015
Jaime’s first book ‘JAIME GUERRERO: Select Private Collections and New Work’ is available for purchase.
“These select private collections and new work illustrate both the versatility and complexities of Guerrero’s sculptures. Short essays from a few of his devoted collectors offer a unique portrait of the artist and provide a window to Guerrero’s dedication to technical excellence and innovation in this art form.”
$25: Email guerreroglass.jaime@gmail.com to order.
May 31, 2015
Homeboy Industries is a Los Angeles-based organization that provides job training and free social services for formerly incarcerated and gang-involved people. Jaime has been commissioned to make the awards for their annual Lo Máximo Event fundraiser. These beautiful glass hands were presented to two honorees at the event and represent how Homeboy Industries’ members redirect their lives and become contributing members of their community. Check out the making of the awards on youtube.
Jaime’s latest body of work consists of life-sized deer heads and antlers. This stunning and dramatic display not only pays homage to Jaime’s cultural heritage but asks the viewer to question man’s dominance over nature.
January 2, 2015
December 13th, an exciting night in San Francisco! Jaime is the featured artist in the final Hot Glass Cold Beer event for 2014 at Public Glass. Join the Hot Glass Cold Beer Facebook event for more details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1506420486283632/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular
Public Glass is a non-profit arts organization that works to make the creation and development of glass arts accessible to everyone in the Bay Area. These popular monthly events are a great way to bring newcomers into the glass world and show long-time collectors and artists what is new and exciting.
Stay tuned for pictures and a new video from the demo.
And you can check out Public Glass at http://www.publicglass.org/ and hopefully attend Jaime’s next demo.
December 12, 2014