Carlos Rosales-Silva (American, born 1982), Pase Usted, 2023, Matte, latex paint, Commissioned by the San Antonio Museum of Art as part of the Gateway project series. © Carlos Rosales-Silva
This summer, artist and educator Carlos Rosales-Silva will visit SAMA to install a site-specific mural in the Museum’s Great Hall as part of the launch of the Gateway Series, an ongoing project that will enlist contemporary artists to activate SAMA’s main lobby.
The SAMA-specific mural will be titled, Pase Usted, which translates to “welcome in,” or “please come in” and will be comprised of two main arch shapes, one representing the European rounded arch and the other representing the corbel arch, more present in pre-colonial architecture, symbolizing portals into the Museum’s vast collection. A swirling blue motif is the artist’s interpretation of similar wave and plant-like patterns observed on vessels throughout the Museum. The design spans centuries and continents—from Neolithic China (ca. 2000 BC) to twentieth-century Mexico—revealing enriching connections across time, culture, and place.
Currently based in New York, Rosales-Silva has a BFA from the University of Texas at Austin and an MFA from New York City’s School of Visual Arts. He has exhibited his work throughout the US and in Mexico City and draws on his experience growing up on the US-Mexico border to create boldly hued and often highly textured abstractions. He was previously an artist-in-residence at Artpace and is currently represented by Ruiz-Healy Art.
“Carlos’s mural creates incredible connections across the museum’s collections—drawing upon artistic traditions that span vast periods of time, place, and culture. It sets the perfect stage for museum visitors to experience a welcoming and inspiring space as soon as they enter SAMA’s doors,” said Lana Meador, Associate Curator of Modern & Contemporary Art.
Pase Usted will be installed from August 7 through August 21, and will remain on view through September 14, 2025. Guests are welcome to participate in a special Q&A session during the installation process on Sunday, August 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or join an Artist Talk with Carlos Rosales-Silva on September 19 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
This project is made possible by Bank of America.
Generous support also comes from Christopher Hill.
Additional funding has been provided by the Meadow Family in memory of Dr. Kathryn Meadow Orlans (1929-2022).
Commissioned by the San Antonio Museum of Art and produced by Carlos Rosales-Silva with assistance from Cassidy Fritts.
SAMA is more than a museum; it’s a place to explore the world.
