Roberto Torres Mata

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Chazen Museum of Art

Works in "Untethered: Our Journey Beyond Borders" by Roberto Torres Mata, the 2021 Russell and Paula Panczenko MFA Prize exhibit, on display through May 14.

UW-Madison master of fine arts recipient Roberto Torres Mata is the winner of the 2021 Russell and Paula Panczenko MFA Prize, which means he gets a big exhibition to himself in the Chazen. Untethered: Our Journey Beyond Borders displays the several media of Mata’s art practice: relief woodblock printing, wood carving and papermaking. The iconography evokes indigenous cultures of the Americas. It’s literally and figuratively a journey through the gallery. The Chazen is open for in-person viewing by reservation Tuesdays and Wednesdays, noon to 5 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays, noon to 7 p.m. The Mata exhibit is up through May 14. In lieu of the traditional artist reception, the Chazen presents a Facebook Live “Our Kind of Happy Hour” social with Mata on April 28.

press release: Untethered: Our Journey Beyond Borders by Roberto Torres Mata is a printmaking and installation art exhibition where visitors will be led on a journey through the exhibition space, guided by a path of migrating birds. Archaic symbols impressed into handmade paper evoke indigenous cultures of the Americas, while the words of migrants themselves are recorded on linen sheets suspended from the gallery ceiling—a piece made in collaboration with Argentinian artist Dani Zelko.

While specializing in printmaking, Mata’s practice encompasses a number of media, including relief woodblock printing, wood carving, and papermaking. He sees his artworks as a metaphor for both human and animal migration. In the materiality of his artwork, he intends to evoke the physical realities of migration. Mata aims to raise awareness of migration and destroy divisive barriers in order to promote compassion and humanity.

Awarded to one graduating MFA candidate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Russell and Paula Panczenko MFA Prize is offered annually by the museum in collaboration with the UW-Madison Art Department. The winner, who receives an honorarium along with an exhibition at the Chazen, is selected by an outside juror; this year’s juror was Shannon R. Stratton, Executive Director of the Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency in Saugatuck, Michigan.

he first, second, and portions of the third floor of the Chazen building are open Tuesdays & Wednesdays, noon to 5 p.m.; Thursdays & Fridays, noon to 7 p.m. The Elvehjem building remains closed until further notice.