This sumi ink drawing on paper by Jamie Muñoz juxtaposes stunningly detailed images of a running “mearh” (a mythic, ancient breed of wild horse renowned for its power and independence); an engine; a depiction of Christ taken from a 19th century silver crucifix; and the NAPA Auto Parts logo. In the notes at the bottom of the drawing, Muñoz elucidates upon the meaning of these symbols.

Motifs such as horses and work trucks appear frequently in Muñoz’s work. Rather than direct figurative references, they are part of a symbolic visual language Muñoz deploys to invite viewers into a world of post-capitalist iconolatry informed by centuries of colonialism and commodification.

Drawing serves various functions within Muñoz’s studio practice. They provide him with a break from the process of painting. They also offer him an opportunity to experiment with new images and concepts.

Says Muñoz, “Usually, in between bodies of work, I break away from the paintings to explore visual ideas in diagram drawings. Hence, another function of the drawings is to give myself space to investigate and consider imagery and the conceptual, intuitive ideas that may foreshadow subjects of the paintings. As I juxtapose different images together, I am able to sort through and examine the relationships of various images. In this way, the diagram is a space for my internal process of discovering associations.”