This Thing Called the State / Oslo Fine Art Society, Norway, 2013
Retablos – details
Room 1
1.1
Retablo of Juan Luna, 1942
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
On the 15th day of January of 1942, after becoming annoyed with my companions with whom I went to work in the state of Tamaulipas, I separated from them. Advancing deeply into a woods, I went up to a house to ask permission, and since it was ten at night the owner of the house called me outside and mistook me for a bandit. He said that he was going to kill me, and seeing myself in such grave danger I entrusted myself to the Holiest Virgin of San Juan de los Lagos and to St. Martin of Terreros. Juan Luna.
1.2
Retablo of Unknown Votary, 1948
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
I give thanks to the Virgin of Talpa for having saved me from death on September 10, 1948. While trying to cross the Rio Grande, they killed two friends of mine but I was able to save myself.
1.3
Retablo of Amador de Lira, undated
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
Amador de Lira gives the most infinite thanks for the miracle of having saved us during the crossing of the dangerous river in Texas.
1.4
Retablo of Virginia Velazquez, undated
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
Thanks I give you little Virgin of San Juan de los Lagos for watching over me while crossing the Rio Grande with my four children. Virginia Velazquez. Houston, Texas.
1.5
Retablo of Unknown Votary, 1969
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
I give infinite thanks to the Holiest Virgin of Guadalupe for having allowed me and my companion to cross as wetbacks. For this favor I dedicate the present retablo. San Felipe, Guanajuato. March, 1969.
1.6
Retablo of Isaias Carrillo, undated
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
...the present retablo to San Martín de Porres, protect me the.... being in the United States. Isaias Carrillo.
1.7
Retablo of Raul Ortega, undated
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
I give thanks to Our Lord of the Conquest for his protection of my family and of myself on our departure for the United States. Rancho Nuevo de el Carrizo. Raul Ortega. June 15, 1996.
1.8
Retablo of Josefa from León, Guanajuato, 1946
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
On the first of October, 1946 we left for the north and there was a washout and we didn't know what happened to them and I commended them to Our Lady of San Juan that we would know about them, for which she granted me the miracle. (...Unintelligible...) Josefa (last name
unintelligible). León, Guanajuato.
1.9
Retablo of Virginia Solano, undated
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
My son Manuel Ortiz S. having left for the United States of the North, I acclaimed to the Lord of the Conquest for his intercession [that] my son arrive safely on the other side and the he not lack for work. Having heard my supplication, I give thanks to god and to the Lord of the Conquest, dedicating this remembrance. Virginia Solano N.
1.10
Retablo of Merejilda Barreto, 1977
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
In the month of October 1977, the son of Mrs. Merejilda Barreto went north, and she entrusted him to the Lord of the Miracles that through his intercession nothing should happen to him when he suffered from an unknown sickness. For this reason, I give infinite thanks to God and to the Lord of Miracles.
1.11
Retablo of Concepción Zapata, 1948
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
I dedicate the present retablo to the Holiest Virgin of San Juan de los Lagos for having saved me from a Texan who tried to carry me off. I hid under a tree by the side of the road with my little brother. Concepción Zapata. San Luis Potosí. May 10, 1948.
1.12
Retablo of Matías Lara, 1919
Oil on metal
Massey-Fiske Collection
On the 18th of November, 1918, finding myself lost in Chicago I entrusted myself to the Virgin of San Juan de los Lagos, asking that She illuminate the road that I sought. I give Her thanks for granting me what I asked, and for this reason dedicate the present retablo as a memento. Matias Lara. San Luis Potosí.
1.13
Retablo of Isidro Rosas Rivera, 1976
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
My mother of San Juan de los Lagos, I give you infinite thanks for the miracle that you granted, without me knowing it, of guiding me to the ranch in Bracketville, Texas. For this reason, Miraculous Little Virgin, I make apparent the miracle and dedicate this retablo. Isidro Rosas Rivera. Rancho Hacienda de Jesus. Municipio San Luis de la Paz, Guanajuato. Year 1976.
1.14
Retablo of Juana Reyes and Socorro Machuca, 1981
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
I give thanks to the Holiest Virgin of San Juan de los Lagos for having granted me the miracle of arranging my son's passport, for which Juana Reyes and Socorro Machuca dedicate this retablo. My son's name is Gerónimo Machuca. October, 1981.
1.15
Retablo of J. Melquides Murillo, 1961
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
I give thanks to Holiest Mary of San Juan de los Lagos because I prayed that I might go and come across the border and that I might be hired. J. Melquides Murillo. Puerto de Loja, Guanajuato, México. September 1, 1961.
Room 2
2.1
Retablo of Bernabé H. and Catarina V, 1944
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
Finding myself suffering from bad cramps I was confined for days in a sanatarium in Nebraska, U.S.A. Being in such a sad state, I invoked the Lord of Saucito, the Virgin of Guadalupe, and the Virgin of San Juan that They should give me health. Bernabé H. and Catarina V. April 4, 1944.
2.2
Retablo of Concepción González Anderson, 1962
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
On the third day of June I was operated on, and they did an examination to see if I had cancer. I give thanks to the Holiest Virgin of San Juan for sparing me from this sickness for which I give infinite thanks for the miracle which she gave me. Concepción González Anderson. August 8, 1962. Santa Fe, New Mexico.
2.3
Retablo of Martha Noel Anderson, 1962
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
I dedicate this retablo to my Holy Little Mother of San Juan for having relieved me of a bad case of hepatitis. For this reason I come from a far away land to visit you and to give you thanks for this favor that was granted. Martha Noel Anderson. Santa Fe, New Mexico. August 8, 1962.
2.4
Retablo of Dolores R. García, 1968
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
Thanks to the Virgin of San Juan de los Lagos for having returned health to my grandson, Phillip M. García, in the year 1964, from his grandmother, Dolores R. García, on the 27th day of August, 1968. Kingsburg, California, U.S.A.
2.5
Retablo of Venancio Soriano, undated
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
Venancio Soriano--While at work in Harlingen, Texas, I contracted a grave illness of the left lung that was thought incurable. I offered to visit the Miraculous Little Virgin of San Juan de los Lagos and bring her this retablo as proof of gratitude for her relief.
2.6
Retablo of María de la Luz Casillas and Children, 1961
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
I give thanks to the Holiest Virgin of San Juan de los Lagos for having made me so great a miracle of saving me in a dangerous operation that was performed on me for the second time on the 9th day of October of 1960, in Los Angeles, California. Which put me at the doors of death but entrusted to so miraculous a Virgin I could recover my health, for which I make apparent the present retablo: in sign of thanksgiving I give thanks to the Holiest Virgin of San Juan. Los Angeles, California. August, 1961. María de la Luz Casillas and Children.
2.7
Retablo of María de Jesús Torres, undated
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
I give infinite thanks to Our Lady of San Juan for having given health to my daughter, Teresa Torres, who suffered from asthma and epileptic attacks for several years. Thank you my mother. María de Jesús Torres. National City, California, U.S.A.
2.8
Retablo of Antonia Ramos de González, 1971
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
I give infinite thanks to the Holest Virgin of San Juan who granted me health in a very dangerous operation. Thank you my mother. Antonia Ramos de González. Oxnard, California. May 9, 1971.
2.9
Retablo of Concepción Romero Sánchez, 1955
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
Concepción Romero Sánchez gives thanks to the Holiest Virgin of San Juan for, having suffered a hemorrhage, I called out to the Holiest Virgin and she granted me health. In testimony I give the present retablo. July, 1955. Robeston, Texas, U.S.
2.10
Retablo of José E. González, 1967
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
I give infinite thanks to the Holiest Virgin of San Juan for having given me health after they operated on me and in testimony I dedicate the present retablo. Jose E. González. August 3, 1967. Reedly, California.
2.11
Retablo of Aurora Frausto, 1968
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
I give infinite thanks to the Holiest Virgin of San Juan de los Lagos for having relieved me from a grave illness about which I complained for some time. I entrusted myself with all my heart to your image and today I make public the present retablo as a show of gratitude for such a great favor received. Aurora Frausto. San Antonio, Texas, U.S.A. June 3, 1968.
2.12
Retablo of María Alba Rey, 1940
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
Mrs. María Alba Rey gives the most infinite thanks to the Holiest Mother of San Juan for having cured a sickness. She was sick for a year. She is from Stockton, California. 1940.
2.13
Retablo of Paula Martínez, 1964
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
I dedicate the present retablo to the Holiest Virgin of San Juan de los Lagos in thanksgiving for the miracle she granted me. She gave health to me and my granddaughter, María Silvia Arevalo, when we found ourselves gravely ill. Paula Martínez. Donna, Texas, U.S.A. March, 1964.
Runo Lagomarsino
This wall has no image but it contains geography, 2011
Letraset on wall
11 x 0,5 cm
2.14
Retablo of María Socorro Salazar, 1962
Oil on metal
Massey-Fiske Collection
We give thanks to the Virgin of the Remedies for having favored my son Rafaél Román, who had an accident in Oxnard, California, U.S. María Socorro Salazar. San Pedro Caro, Michoacán.
2.15
Retablo of Tivurcia Gallego, 1917
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
The misfortune happened to Mrs. Tivurcia Gallego on the 24th day of January, 1917, in the town of Daingerfield, Texas. She was walking along a train track holding a little boy by the hand, and as she went over a bridge, some workers with trunks overtook them in a pushcar. Being unable to move to either side, she invoked the Holiest Virgin of San Juan and suffered nothing more than a few blows, and the little boy no more than a glancing blow, having freed himself from greater danger. In thanksgiving she dedicates this retablo.
2.16
Retablo of Josefina Pérez V, 1979
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
I give thanks to the Holiest Virgen of San Juan de los Lagos for protecting my son, my sister, and me in an automobile accident. Josefina Perez V. August 8, 1979. Los Angeles, California.
2.17
Retablo of Manuela Sánchez and Children, 1947
Oil on metal
Massey-Fiske Collection
I make apparent this miracle. As my son and his wife were travelling on a highway near El Paso, Texas, they did three flips while going around a turn, which left him senseless and without hope of life. Since medical science found itself incapable of healing him, I entrusted him to the Holiest Virgin of San Juan and after 12 hours he came to without the slightest pain from the blow. Manuela Sánchez and her children, Manuel and Elena, today give thanks. February 28th, 1947. The accident occurred in April, 1934.
2.18
Retablo of Josefina Rivera, 1954
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
Miss Josefina Rivera gives infinite thanks to the Holiest Virgin of San Juan de los Lagos for saving her life after falling beneath the wheels of a bus. Brownsville, Texas. August 25, 1954.
2.19
Retablo of Unknown Votary, 1954
Oil on metal
Massey-Fiske Collection
I give thanks to the Virgin of San Juan de los Lagos for having saved me from an automobile accident in which four persons were left dead and four injured and which occurred in San Francisco, California from which the Virgin saved me. 18-8-54
2.20
Retablo of Gumercindo Ramírez, 1912
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
On the 5th of April, 1908, Gumecindo Ramirez fell from a railroad handcar in Florences, Kiansas E.U.A. which passed over him, breaking his ribs and leaving him near death. But before this happened, he commended himself to the Miraculous Lady of San Juan who saved him and as proof of this marvelous miracle, I dedicate the present memento. San Francisco del Rincón. February 2, 1912.
2.21
Retablo of Marciano Alcocer Castillo, 1967
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
Votive of gratitude to the Holiest Virgin of San Juan. I had an accident and was injured in the lower back and couldn't work. The insurance company wouldn't recognize my injury and pay what they owed me, so I commended myself to the Holiest Virgin of San Juan, and she granted me the miracle. She made me get better and sent me the check from my accident. Marciano Alcocer Castillo dedicates this retablo to the Virgin of San Juan in thanks. Matehuala, San Luis Potosí. May 16, 1967.
2.22
Retablo of Garbriela Yañez, 1943
Oil on metal
Massey-Fiske Collection
In the city of Houston, Texas in the year 1932, having properties with payments due and thinking that I would never finish paying, I invoked the Holiest Virgin of San Juan de los Lagos, asking that she intercede for me in such a sad situation, and I give thanks to the Holiest Virgin for such an apparent favor and I give proof of it. I visit you to dedicate this retablo. Gabriela Yañez. February 2, 1943.
2.23
Retablo de María Guadalupe Méndez e hijo, undated
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
A promise to Saint Michael the Archangel from Mrs. María Guadalupe Méndez and her son Primitivo Jantez that they arrange for him the documents for his pick-up truck which were commended to the holiest little Saint Michael today, the 29th of September, 1980. They came to give him infinite thanks.
Room 3
3.1
Retablo of Felipe González, undated
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
My wife was in great affliction because of the absence of a son who went abroad. Having heard no news from him, I prayed to San Martin de Porres that we should hear from him. By means of this retablo I show my gratitude.
3.2
Retablo of Francisco Senteno, undated
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
I give thanks to Saint Martin of Porres that, my son being gone and having heard no news from him, he let him return to see me. In thanks I dedicate the present retablo. Francisco Senteno. San Felipe, Guanajuato.
3.3
Retablo of Maros Ruís Morales, 1963
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
Mr. Marcos Ruís Morales gives thanks to the Virgin of San Juan de los Lagos for having granted him health, that after going sick to the United States, he returned healthy. This happened to me on the date of October 22, 1963. Rincón de Ramos, Aguascalientes.
3.4
Retablo of F.P. from El Coesillo, San Luis Potosí, undated
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
I give thanks to God and to the Lord of Miracles for having granted the miracle of allowing my son to return from the U.S. after arranging his papers. For this I give thanks and dedicate this memento to the Lord of Miracles. F.P. El Coesillo, San Felipe, Guanajuato.
3.5
Retablo of Raul Ortega y Familia, undated
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
To the Lord of the Conquest infinite thanks I give for allowing me to return from the United States in the company of my family. Raul Ortega and family. "Rancho Nuevo del Carrizo." Municipality of San Felipe, Guanajuato. April 5, 1996.
3.6
Retablo of José Cruz Soria, 1960
Oil on metal
17.2 x 18 cm
Arias-Durand Collection
I give infinite thanks to Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos for having enabled me to cross the border and return with health. José Cruz Soria. San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato. February 2, 1960.
3.7
Retablo of Tereso López, undated
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
Mr. Tereso López gives thanks to the Holiest Virgin of San Juan. Finding himself in the United States and commending himself to the Virgin of San Juan he asked that upon arriving back on his native soil he would go to visit her. In thanksgiving he offers this retablo.
3.8
Retablo of Elifonsa Durán, undated
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
Miss María Elifonsa Durán went to the United States, and when her mother found out that she was very delicate she commended her to the Virgin of San Juan, saying that if they didn't bother her and that if she returned with well-being, she would give her thanks in this retablo.
3.9
Retablo of Candelaria Arreola, 1955
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
I give thanks to the holiest Virgin of Talpa for having brought my son from the United States, where he stayed for a long time. I began to pray your novena and I hadn't even finished when he returned. Thank you my mother! El Grullo, Jalisco, 1955. Candelaria Arreola.
3.10
Retablo of Carmen Ortíz, undated
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
Mrs. Carmen Ortíz commended her husband, Mr. Mateo Hernández, to the Virgin of San Juan de los Lagos, that he should return from the United States after he found himself sick in his eyes. For this they give thanks for her favor. Nuñez.
3.11
Retablo of Aurelio Camacho, 1977
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
I give thanks to the Lord of the Miracles for having given me leave to return to the United States. I dedicate this memento. Aurelio Camacho. Rancho el Saucillo. San Felipe, Guanajuato. 1977.
3.12
Retablo of Francisco Trujillo, 1976
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
I give many thanks to the Lord of Miracles because, entrusted to him, one son was cured of a strong pain he suffered in the stomach and another son reappeared after being lost for some time. With all my thankfulness I make apparent this miracle, dedicating to him this retablo. Varal Norte, Municipio San Felipe, Guanajuato. November 8th, 1976. Francisco Trujillo.
3.13
Retablo of María Conceptíon Reyne, 1975
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
We give infinite thanks to the Lord of Miracles, because he granted that my husband returned well from the United States. With gratitude we dedicate this retablo. San Felipe, Guanajuato. August 3, 1975. María Concepcíon Reyna. José Natividad Garcia.
3.14
Retablo of María Marcos Rebolloso and Leonardo Arsola, 1977
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
I give infinite thanks to the Lord of Miracles because, entrusted to Him, he healed my son, Leonardo Arsola, from an unknown sickness. I also hope for the return of my other three sons who are in the U.S., one with his family and the other two bachelors. San Felipe, Guanajuato, July 4, 1977. María Marcos Rebolloso. Leonardo Arsola.
3.15
Retablo of Juan Jose Sánches C., undated
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
With the present retablo I ask Our Lord of the Conquest to permit that they give me my freedom in the United States. Juan José Sanches C. San Felipe, Guanajuato, October 10, 1990.
3.16
Retablo of Victoriano Grimaldo, 1988
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
I give infinite thanks to the Holiest Virgin of San Juan for granting me the miracle of leaving prison in the U.S.A. along with my uncle and cousin. In thanksgiving I dedicate the present retablo. February 1988. San Felipe, Guanajuato. Victoriano Grimaldo.
3.17
Retablo of Unknown Votary, undated
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
Being detained in Sierra Rica with some Texans (...unintelligible...) to me by the American authorities, they punished me severely and I lost hope of ever leaving. I involked Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos and I make apparent the miracle (...unintelligible...).
3.18
Retablo of María Aldama, 1926
Oil on metal
Arias-Durand Collection
On the 19th of March of 1924, Aldama Cruz caused a death in the U.S.A. in the company of Julian A. Rendón, Alberto A. Rendón, and Manuel Gómez, all of whom were emprisoned; and María Aldama commended them to the Holiest Virgin of San Juan de los Lagos and in thanksgiving she dedicates the present retablo. Hacienda de Carrión, Jalisco. January 26, 1926.
3.19
Retablo of Jesús Enrique Aguilar, undated
Oil on metal
Massey-Fiske Collection
The young man Jesús Enrique Aguilar gives thanks to the Holiest Virgin of San Juan de los Lagos for having brought him back safely from the war in Vietnam. Serving in the artillery corps and driving a tank, and returning safe and sound, I dedicate the present retablo. 505 West River Drive. Davenport, Iowa. U.S.A.