Mel Chin is a conceptual visual artist from Houston who is motivated by political, cultural and social circumstances. He works with a variety of media to examine modern life and places art in landscapes, public spaces, galleries and museum exhibitions. “CoCobijos” is his newest art piece.

“CoCobijos,” the public art installation by internationally exhibited artist Mel Chin, will be unveiled to the public at a free event on Thursday, May 17 from 10a.m. to 12p.m. at Mission County Park. This project will bridge the gap between the historic themes of Mission San Jose and the natural world of the San Antonio River. Later in the day, from 6p.m. to 7p.m. at the Mission San Jose Visitor Center, the artist will give a free, public lecture about his development as an internationally exhibited artist and the concept behind the project’s design. (San Antonio River Foundation, 2018)

“CoCobijos,” a name invented by the artist, means “co-shelters.” Two faceted cactus-like pads arc in a supporting embrace, appearing to hold each other up. After seeing prickly pear cactus on a roof of Mission San José, the artist thought about how these plants nurture people and animals alike and their resiliency in the face of time and Texas’ climate. Echoing the geometry and beautiful lattice pattern of the internal structures from actual San Antonio nopal plant specimens, this shade structure stands in Mission County Park to give relief from the sun.  In planters above, living plants create a green canopy.  The abstract form of the structure is intended to visually change shape as people pass through and around it, while the shadows shift as the day progresses.

This public art installation is a San Antonio River Foundation project as part of their Art Portals located at the connection of each Mission and the San Antonio River.  It is designed to entice visitors on the river to venture street-level and engage with the historic Missions.

“A tough plant like prickly pear thriving in hard, hot weather can be equated with rugged Texan individuality. The two cactus-based pads arcing over to create an unbreakable geometry speaks to the beauty and service of what coming together can do.” – Mel Chin

Mission County Park
6030 Padre Dr.
San Antonio, TX 78214
(210) 335-7275