The Contemporary Austin is currently hosting the first solo museum exhibition in Texas for sculptor Raul De Lara. Running until January 11, 2026, the exhibition features the artist's unique woodworking techniques. De Lara transforms common objects like tools, plants, and furniture into forms that appear both human-like and surreal. These creations explore themes of memory, resilience, and humor, while also reflecting on the immigrant experience, queer identity, and the challenges faced by individuals with DACA status.
Key Takeaways
- Raul De Lara's first solo Texas museum exhibition is at The Contemporary Austin.
- The exhibition runs from September 12, 2025, to January 11, 2026.
- De Lara uses woodworking to create surreal forms from everyday objects.
- Themes include immigration, queer identity, and DACA status.
- Seven new sculptures, made from native woods, are on display.
Exploring Identity Through Wood Sculpture
Raul De Lara's artistic background combines both Mexican and American crafting traditions. He received his training in Austin and later at Virginia Commonwealth University. His work respects traditional woodworking methods while incorporating elements of scale, humor, and magical realism. His sculptures range from spiritual figures carved from branches to furniture re-imagined with striking details.
The artist often questions the point at which an ordinary object gains new meaning. "Growing up, I would see craftsmen carve these saints out of branches," De Lara recalls. "I always wonder, like, at what point does the branch become a saint?" This inquiry into the transformation from common to sacred, from native to foreign, and from tool to symbol, forms the core of his artistic expression.
New Works Highlight Cultural Hybridity
For the Austin exhibition, De Lara created seven new sculptures. These pieces are crafted from mesquite, walnut, cedar, and oak. These woods are native to both Texas and northern Mexico. The sculptures reference wildflowers like Damianita, Indian Blanket, and Sleepy Daisy. These plants are also native to both regions, symbolizing the artist's exploration of cultural blending and the complexities of belonging.
Interesting Fact
The exhibition features seven new sculptures made from woods such as mesquite and cedar, referencing wildflowers native to both Texas and northern Mexico.
De Lara, who immigrated to the U.S. at age twelve, uses these botanical references to pose a profound question: "Why can plants be native to two places, but never people?" By embedding this question into his sculptures, the New York-based artist uses his art as a platform to discuss identity and the often-uncertain nature of his legal status under DACA.
Woodworking as a Metaphor for Belonging
For Raul De Lara, sharing his work is a fundamental part of his artistic approach. "Some of the best works are the ones that, when you share yourself, you really get beyond just the object," he states. He believes art can foster connection and care. "When you can connect with people in that way—thinking that our work can make people feel a sense of care, or want to care—that’s enough."
The newly commissioned sculptures in Austin invite visitors to appreciate their beauty while also considering difficult questions. These questions include who is allowed to belong, how personal stories are embedded in materials, and why plants can have a dual origin that is often denied to people. The artist describes this project as the most complex of his career.
"Honestly, this show… they’re the most layered, and they have the capacity to fail. Pulling one off is a miracle, and I have, like, six miracles to do," De Lara shared about the intricate nature of his current work.
Context: DACA Status
DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a temporary U.S. policy. It offers young undocumented immigrants protection from deportation and the ability to work legally. However, it does not provide a path to permanent residency or citizenship. This status creates a sense of legal uncertainty for those under its protection.
This blend of artistic rigor and inherent risk mirrors the precariousness of De Lara's own legal and social standing due to his DACA status. He notes how changes in law could directly impact his ability to create and exhibit his art. "My legal standing here—if the law changed tomorrow, that would be a different exhibition. It’s a reality… I could not even make my own show." In these remarks, the physical act of woodworking, which involves precision and risk, becomes a powerful metaphor for living in a state of legal and social limbo.
The Exhibition Details
The exhibition, titled "HOST: Raul De Lara," is located at The Contemporary Austin – Jones Center on Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas. It opened on September 12, 2025, and will close on January 11, 2026. The show features a collection of sculptures, including "Cavale II" (2023), "For Being Left-Handed" (2020), and "Como Las De Mi Tierra / Like The One’s Back Home" (2024).
Other notable pieces include "Hermés Window Installation in Aspen, Colorado" (2023), "Soft Chair (M1)" (2023), and "The Wait (Again)" (2022). The exhibition also showcases "La Monstera" (2023), "Who Doesn’t Love to Scream Bingo!" (2024), and "Cilantro" (2023). These works collectively offer a deep dive into De Lara's unique artistic vision and his exploration of complex personal and cultural themes.
- Exhibition Title: HOST: Raul De Lara
- Artist: Raul De Lara
- Location: The Contemporary Austin – Jones Center, 700 Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas
- Dates: September 12, 2025 – January 11, 2026
The exhibition provides a significant opportunity for audiences to engage with De Lara's highly technical woodworking and his insightful commentary on contemporary social issues. His ability to transform raw materials into powerful symbols resonates with many, making this a noteworthy cultural event in Austin.
