The “Contenido Neto” art exhibit showcasing multimedia and intercultural art is coming, not only to redefine our conceptions of what art is, but also to show the value and tension of an intercultural world. Through the works of 18 different artists, movements creating spikes all over the art-world radar will be on display to show what becomes possible in this intercultural setting. The different ways cross-cultural activity is reflected in the visual arts will be shown in paintings, sculptures, installations and photography.

The works included in the show demonstrate the way in which artists see themselves and others. Each piece represents how the artists both claim their turf and cross boundaries while illustrating how each artist dealt with chief issues, issues such as “naming,” self-naming, labels and the struggles of coming to terms with naming; “telling” about history, family, religion and storytelling, as well as “landing,” roots and points of departure.

Many of the exhibit’s 18 artists are El Paso grown. Many have and continue to excite or agitate. All have worked together before, either around each other or on a particular piece. “We had worked with Francisco Delgado before, and at the time, the group ‘Contenido Neto’ were only five people,” Exhibit Coordinator Anna Alemán says. “After talking about doing an exhibit for years, the group has grown to 18.” The artists to be displayed are: Francisco Delgado, Aryk Gardea, Jessica Pizana, Adrian Esparza, Eddie Salcedo, Jose Rivera, Manuel Guerra, Raul A. Monarrez, Samuel Angel Munoz, Maceo Montoya, Fernando Fernandez, Luis M. Ruiz, Javier Contreras, George Rodriguez, Jaime Lazo, Frank Parga, Jesse Meza and Julio Rogers.

The exhibit will start off with an opening reception, featuring all 18 artists with their works, at 301 W. Overland (behind the Civic Center) on Jan. 25, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and will be on display until Feb. 10. Admission is free, and hours are Thursday to Friday, 3 to 7 p.m., and Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a few of the artists in attendance. For more information, please call 915.592.4967.