Ancient painter-scribes in Mesoamerica recorded histories, genealogies and prophecies in the pages of painted manuscripts known as codices. Ink and thread: codices and the art of storytelling explores the visual language of both ancient American codices and contemporary examples by Mexican artist Enrique Chagoya. Like the ancient examples, Chagoya’s codices feature superheroes, offer histories of conquest and survival through a wry, tongue-in-cheek lens. Printed on amate paper at Shark’s Press in Lyons, CO, Chagoya’s codices, along with graphic interventions by Eric Garcia, reclaim and amplify this ancient tradition for contemporary audiences.

The gallery additionally features the Tillett tapestry of the conquest of Mexico by British-American textile designer, Leslie Tillett, a monumental work that replicates scenes from surviving Central Mexican and Maya codices and recounts the Conquest of Mexico. A recent gift of Tillett’s preparatory studies provides rare insight into his extensive research process.

Ink & Thread is on view beginning November 17 on level 4 of the Martin Building.