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The Museum of International Folk Art is proud to announce Appearances Deceive: Embroideries by Policarpio Valencia, a groundbreaking retrospective of the work of Nuevomexicano artist Policarpio Valencia (1853-1931).
Source: New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs
Photos: Courtesy
Santa Fe, NM – The Museum of International Folk Art is proud to announce Appearances Deceive: Embroideries by Policarpio Valencia, a groundbreaking retrospective of the work of Nuevomexicano artist Policarpio Valencia (1853-1931). The exhibition, running from June 8, 2025, through July 27, 2026, in MOIFA’s Hispanic Heritage Wing, offers a rare and intimate look at the life and artistic contributions of Valencia, whose embroidered textiles examine themes of morality, mortality, and spirituality with a distinctive blend of humor and depth.
Born in the Española Valley of Northern New Mexico, Valencia led a multifaceted life as a farmer, salt trader, mill operator, mayordomo of the Acequia de las Herreras, and elected Justice of the Peace. In the final years of his life, between 1922 and 1931, Valencia began repurposing old household textiles and clothing, adorning them with intricate embroidery and messages written in the endangered New Mexican Spanish dialect. These works urge readers to look beyond surface appearances and search for hidden truths. As Valencia stated, “appearances deceive,” but they can also teach.
This exhibition highlights Valencia’s unique role in the cultural landscape of New Mexico during a period of significant transformation. His work captures the tension between the old and the new, reflecting the cultural, technological, and political changes that accompanied New Mexico’s transition from a U.S. territory to statehood in 1912. His textiles, which passed through the hands of notable collectors like Mary Cabot Wheelwright and Cornelia Thompson, are now housed in major collections, including the Museum of International Folk Art, Nuevo Mexicano Heritage Arts Museum, and the Heard Museum.
Appearances Deceive celebrates Valencia’s embroidered pieces as individual works of art while also examining their broader cultural and historical contexts. The exhibition is a rare opportunity to explore his contributions to folk art and literature, which blends philosophical musing, personal wisdom, and artistic innovation.
“This exhibition is a tribute to a singular artist whose works speak to the heart of Neuvomexicano identity and history,” said Dr. Carrie Hertz, curator of the exhibition. “Policarpio Valencia’s art reflects the challenges and resilience of his era while offering timeless wisdom that resonates today.”
In partnership with New Mexico-based multimedia company Ideum, the exhibition offers an interactive experience for visitors. Large-scale projections allow for close-up views of the embroidered textiles, including the backs of the works, which are often as intricately detailed as the front. For the textiles containing significant text, visitors can hear these messages read aloud in either English or Spanish, with narration provided by Valencia’s living descendants. An exhibition guide, hands-on educational activities, and a short documentary about Valencia, featuring interviews with family members and experts, enrich the visitor experience.
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Appearances Deceive is an important exploration of both a remarkable artist and a pivotal period in New Mexico’s history, as Valencia’s works continue to inspire audiences with their timeless messages of reflection and resilience. This exhibition is supported by the International Folk Art Foundation, Friends of Folk Art, Courtney and Scott Taylor and donors to the Museum of New Mexico Foundation’s Exhibition Development Fund for the Museum of International Folk Art.
Learn More: https://moifa.org/exhibition/6428/appearances-deceive-embroideries-by-policarpio-valencia
