Farmington artist plans presentation at San Juan College for International Women's Day
As its title would imply, the video “Pinto Beans” created by Farmington artist Rosemary Meza-DesPlas that will have its debut screening this week may be focused on a member of the pulse family, a humble foodstuff that Meza-DesPlas describes as integral to the cuisine of Mexico, New Mexico and her native Texas.
But in her hands, “Pinto Beans” serves a higher purpose.
“It’s an ode to pinto beans, but it’s an homage to my parents,” Meza DesPlas, describing the four-minute video that will be part of her “Stirring the Pot: I Don’t Cook” presentation on Thursday, March 7 at San Juan College.
“I grew up eating them daily when I was little, and I swore I’d never eat pinto beans again,” she said, explaining their omnipresence in her life. “It was too much of a good thing.”
Meza-DesPlas came to regret that vow by the time she was a student in graduate school, when she came to realize she actually missed the maligned beans upon which she had been raised. Sheepishly, she had to call her mother and ask for step-by-step directions on how to cook a batch of them herself.
Therein lies part of the title of Meza-DesPlas’ presentation, a screening of three of her videos she has made over the past four years. The three videos blend cultural, social and political elements with Meza-DesPlas’ family history. All three pieces are done in her trademark provocative style, though Meza-DesPlas likes to explore such issues through a humorous lens.
The video features Meza-DesPlas reciting an original poem as a voiceover to various imagery. “Pinto Beans” was completed earlier this year, but the other two videos — “Our House” (2021) and “Miss Nalgas USA 2022” (2022) are a few years older.
The latter is a recording of a performance art piece Meza-DesPlas crafted and delivered in Farmington two years ago after earning a $9,100 Fulcrum Fund grant from the Albuquerque-based 516 Arts. The satirical production, which plays out in the form of a beauty pageant, explores the way people of Latin descent are depicted in mass media.
“Miss Nalgas USA 2022” was Meza-DesPlas’ first foray into the realm of writing, directing and performing in a live stage production with a full cast, though she previously had done solo projects of that nature. She said the experience was gratifying.
“I was so happy with everybody who took part in that,” she said, explaining that the actors took ownership of the project and became deeply invested in the details. “Everyone really cared about the piece. I really appreciated (that).”
More: Farmington visual, performance artist earns $50,000 award from Mellon, Ford foundations
Meza-DesPlas said the video of “Miss Nalgas USA 2022” will not be a simple recording of the stage performance. The music has been changed, and some of the imagery and audio have been manipulated to enhance certain aspects of the production.
The third video, “Our House,” also features a reading of an original poem by Meza-DesPlas. It was shot in Santa Fe’s Railyard district in 2021, a setting that provided some less-than-idea conditions. First, there was an ill-timed rainstorm, then came a malfunctioning railroad crossing signal that got stuck in the down position, leading Meza-DesPlas to have to recite her poem on camera against an incessant background clanging.
Nevertheless, she persisted, Meza-DesPlas said.
“There’s nothing you can do,” she said, laughing. “I just kept saying it louder and louder.”
“Our House” examines issues surrounding patriotism, she said, while it also focuses on the meaning of the word “home” as a welcoming place.
Meza-DesPlas will conclude her presentation by answering questions from the audience about her work.
“Stirring the Pot: I Don’t Cook” will be part of a series of activities at the college in celebration of International Women’s Day. A free International Food Fair will begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday in the lobby outside the Connie Gotsch Theatre on the college campus, 4601 College Blvd. in Farmington, with food and appetizers from around the world being offered.
More: Farmington artist receives $9,100 grant to stage satirical performance art piece
A flower stand operated by the Associated Students will begin handing out free wooden rose bouquets to women at 6:30, then Meza-DesPlas will begin screening her videos at 7. Afterward, at approximately 8:30, the Associated Students will be serving cupcakes to audience members.
All the events are free and open to the public.
Mike Easterling can be reached at 505-564-4610 or measterling@daily-times.com. Support local journalism with a digital subscription: http://bit.ly/2I6TU0e.
This article originally appeared on Farmington Daily Times: Rosemary Meza-DesPlas will premiere her video "Pinto Beans" on March 7
