December 14, 15; Saturday 12-6pm; Sunday 12-5pm
Bordello Galeria, Oganos 19
free

"Salsa Verde" Exhibit at Bordello Galeria
Paintings & Prints by John Hillmer
By Kiki Broomfield

Last month artist John Hillmer popped up at the Bordello Galeria with an exhibit of paintings and prints entitled "Pico de Gallo". This month he returns with "Salsa Verde," a revised but equally tasty blend of "Music, Mexico, and Madness."

Pico de Gallo, sometimes called salsa cruda, is a raw and chunky blend of natural goodness, a visual Mexican flag that dresses up and delights the senses. Salsa verde is a decidedly more fluid and tangy affair, featuring a foundation of tomatillos, green chiles, cilantro, and lime.

What does that have to do with art? Well, for starters, the color!

"Every color is a kind of universe in itself," says Hillmer, "Green is rather complex since it represents the heart chakra, nature, renewal, and harmony. And at the same time it signals money, ambition, and greed. Best to lean toward the harmony and renewal part, don't you think?"

Indeed, green is a grand symbol of starting over. It's said that someone who is a beginner at something is "green". Interestingly, the Buddhist notion of "beginners mind" suggests that this is actually the best way to live, since it is much more open to presence and transformation.

And so art, too, is a starting over, a re-creation, an improvised song that both sings along and brings with it something new. "In my view art is a kind of Green New Deal of the heart, a meditation on and opening up to profound global change. But as Kermit the Frog knows, 'it's not easy being green'."

Much improvisation is found in Hillmer's work which has appeared, as stage murals, behind many well-known artists including Ray Charles, Keb' Mo', Jimmy Cliff, and Maya Angelou. Likewise, his illustration and design work has been used to celebrate more than 50 music, literary, and community events across North America.

Now it pops up again this weekend in the lovely light-filled Bordello Galeria courtyard. Green and a whole orchestra of colors will make their appearances. Come and join the mix.

Salsa Verde: John Hillmer Paintings & Prints
Sat., Dec. 14, Noon-6 p.m.
Sun., Dec 15, Noon-5 p.m.
Bordello Galeria Courtyard / Organos #19 / Centro

www.johnhillmer.com