De La Torre Brothers

Collaborating artists and brothers Einar and Jamex de la Torre have developed their signature style of mixed-media work with blown-glass sculpture and lenticular printing through years of working together. Their pieces represent a multifaceted view of life that reflects a complex and humorous aesthetic that could be seen as baroque. Their influences range from religious iconography to German expressionism, and they often pay homage to Mexican vernacular arts and pre-Columbian art.

Organized in partnership by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino with Riverside Art Museum, their current exhibition, ​“Collidoscope: de la Torre Brothers Retro-Perspective” is on view at the newly opened Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture in Riverside, California. After closing January 22, 2023, the exhibition will embark on a national tour. The exhibition features more than 70 mixed-media works, including blown-glass sculptures and installation art, plus some of the artists’ latest lenticulars with imagery that changes as the viewer moves from side to side. Including ​“Collidoscope,” the brothers have had 19 solo museum exhibitions in six different countries, completed eight major public art projects, and have participated in four biennales.

Born and raised Guadalajara, México until their family moved to California in 1972, the brothers now live and work on both sides of the border (Ensenada, Baja California, México and San Diego, California). They both studied at California State University at Long Beach and taught at the Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington. Their work is represented in numerous public and private collections, including the Cheech Marin Collection. The brothers are recipients of the USA Fellowship Award, the San Diego Art Prize, the Louis Comfort Tiffany Award, and the Joan Mitchell Foundation Award, among other honors. The de la Torre brothers are represented by Koplin Del Rio Gallery in Seattle, Washington. 

With support from the Institute for the Humanities.

Series presenting partners: Detroit Public Television and PBS Books. Media partner: Michigan Radio.