Robert Gonzalez: Mystical Waters
on view January 10 - May 3, 2026
Robert Gonzales (American b.1955), Kociyo, 2014. Acrylic on canvas. Courtesy of the artist.
Robert Gonzales is an artist and musician from San Antonio, TX, whose recent work depicts the role of water in pre-Columbian Mexican mythology and religions. His imagery is based on historical research, Mayan iconography, archaeology, as well as dream based imagery and the writings of philosopher Carl G. Jung, to imagine the past lives of his ancestors.
This two gallery exhibition features 18 of his large sized and colorful paintings exploring themes of Sacred Waters and Temazcal (sweat lodges). His Sacred Water paintings depict portraits and visual elements of ancient Mexican water gods. To ancient Meso-Americans, water was life and they made offerings and gave prayers to their gods to protect them from devastating storms, floods, and hurricanes, and also brought life sustaining rains during times of drought. The Temazcal series explores the physical and metaphorical healing properties of communal sweat lodges, and also serves as a connection to the past.
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MMAM acknowledges sustaining support from generous contributions from foundations, corporations, individuals, members and volunteers, including ongoing support from our Board of Directors, the Elizabeth Callender King Foundation, and the Morgan Family Foundation.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund.