Two Fresno State alumni artists, Eduardo Reveles and Eduardo Fabian, are collaborating on an art graduate exhibition that sheds light on the lives and struggles of farmworkers in the San Joaquin Valley.
The exhibit ran from March 3-12, and the reception for the event is March 13 in the Phebe Conley Art Gallery.
This exhibit featured immersive designs that represent an emotional narrative meant to shed hope in the face of adversity. Reveles, drawing from his personal experiences as the child of farmworkers, dedicated his portion of the exhibit to the theme of agricultural labor.
“One of the reference photos I used to create this is an image of a woman picking grapes, and she had no idea I was right next to her taking this photo,” Reveles said. “But to me, it reminds me of my mother when she used to take me out to the fields, and in a way, it almost seems like she’s lifting the branches, kind of carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders.”
His artistic approach incorporates geometric shapes and vibrant colors, influenced by his background in graphic design. Reveles shared his lifelong love for art, but he recognized that life can sometimes make it hard to find the time and motivation to create. He says that art has always been a way to deal with daily stress.
“Sometimes we forget about the people who provide food for us, who bring the food to our tables,” Reveles said. “I wanted to spark those conversations for those who have no idea what’s really going on.”
Fabian, whose work centers on the humanity of migrants, complements Reveles’ themes with his focus on migration and resilience. His pieces include references to monarch butterflies that migrate from Michoacán, Mexico, symbolizing the journey and struggles of those seeking a better life.
As graduates of Fresno State’s art program, Reveles and Fabian credit their education for helping them refine their artistic voices.
“The program allowed me to explore different themes and ultimately focus on what truly matters to me,” Reveles said.
The artists came together to showcase the lives of migrant farmworkers in a powerful exhibition. Fabian highlights the experiences of those who have moved from Mexico in search of better opportunities, while Reveles emphasizes their humanity and the respect they deserve. Through their artwork, they depict the hard work and dedication of these individuals, who often take on some of the toughest and least appreciated jobs.
Fabian did want his emotions to influence his art and focused on social issues. However, after taking classes and receiving guidance from professors, he began to explore the emotional dimensions of his creations. This journey led him to recognize the value of incorporating his personal story into his work.
Eduardo • Mar 15, 2025 at 12:07 am
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