BIRDJAZZ at Bordello Galeria

BIRDJAZZ at Bordello Galeria

John Hillmer Returns to San Miguel

by Kristen Fry

OK, so the guy is a little obsessed with jazz, birds, buddhas, and Mexico. Hillmer brings his third similarly-themed show to the Bordello Galeria opening this Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. Two of the shows have opened, not coincidentally, around the time of the San Miguel Jazz Festival. But oh the variations on theme!

Take “Bird in Mexican Hills”, the postcard and evite image. Floating red, orange, and yellow orbs dance with a subtle, multi-colored hand rising up in a gesture of emancipation. Likewise, a blue agave reaches up, while a (sub)lime mysteriously anchors the image buried in the ground. The bird is a long, bright-legged, spiral-eyed presence zigazagging in blue hills. Like many of Hillmer’s works—simple, colorful, earthy, full of energy and symbol.

Hillmer’s work has been playing with music for some time. In fact, his large stage murals have made appearances with Ray Charles, Keb’ Mo’, Robert Cray, and many others. His posters and designs have been used to celebrate more than 50 music, literary, and community events throughout North America.

Years ago Hillmer worked for Earshot Jazz in Seattle and discovered both jazz the music and jazz the metaphor. Recently, he completed designs for the Port Townsend Acoustic Blues Festival in Washington State, which appeared as a huge grandly-lit stage backdrop during performances.

It's a big art weekend in San Miguel, but don't miss an opportunity to jazz up the mix at the Bordello Galeria. A portion of the proceeds will go to Ojalá Niños, whose art, music, and literary programs work with creative kids in the campo.

BIRDJAZZ by John Hillmer, paintings & prints at the Bordello Galeria, Organos #19 (1/2 block off Hernanez Macias). Saturday 5-9 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m.