DepartmentHispano

Corona Virus Piñata

NamePiñata

Artist Francisco Rodriguez

Date2020

Place madeAlbuquerque, New Mexico, United States, North America

MediumPaper maché, glue, wire

Dimensions16.5 x 17.5 x 19.5 in (irregular)

Credit LineGift of Amy Sammons

Object numberA.2023.10.1

Collections

Provenancepurchased by donor during the early onset of the Covid-19 pandemic for a party, but when the party was cancelled due to stay-at-home mandates, she lent it for the exhibition #Mask.

DescriptionGreen and red Piñata with face representing the corona virus or covid-19 and blue spots. Overall irregular ball shape with protruding pieces.

Originally from Ciudad Juarez, where he learned his craft, and longtime
resident of Albuquerque, Francisco Rodríguez has been making piñatas
for close to 30 years. His Albuquerque store, Casa de Piñatas, is an
institution. During the pandemic, sales plummeted and stay-at-home
orders caused temporary shutdowns. The artist began making his
COVID-19 piñata as a response to the pandemic. Although playful, the
piece also speaks to the severity of the problems facing many artists
and small business owners. The popularity of the COVID-19 piñata
grew astronomically and has helped Mr. Rodríguez stay in business (from exhibition label text).