"We've seen the European white lens for centuries": Clotilde Jiménez, contemporary artist
Clotilde Jiménez meets with Frida Bautista from El Universal to discuss his latest artistic project, La Gruta, an opera currently on display at the Museo Jumex. In the interview, Jiménez reflects on his approach to themes such as colonialism, migration, racism, and Mexican cultural traditions, while introducing the concept of mesofuturism.
Although new to the world of opera, Jiménez worked for 14 months on the piece, surrounded by experts like composer Javier Antonio Bellato and choreographer Carla Segovia. La Gruta also incorporates elements of video, sculpture, and collage, reflecting the diversity of his creative process. Additionally, Jiménez, who had been away from sculpture for several years, used wood to represent the chaneques, mythological figures from Mexican culture.
Jiménez highlights how this project has transformed him, expanding his respect for other theater creators and strengthening his connection with social struggles, such as migration and resistance to external cultural impositions.
"Now I have a lot of respect for the people who work on stage; I believe we're in the same universe, but in parallel. I’ve now crossed into their world, and they’ve accepted me with joy and trust. I’m eager to continue; I have ideas for at least five more operas and another idea for a ballet. I also now feel that I have a deeper connection with the beliefs and struggles of the people in the villages." – Clotilde Jiménez
Excerpted text written by Frida Juárez Bautista for El Universal
