Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Inspired Exhibit
While the public continues to debate whether Richard Montañez created the Flamin’ Hot Cheeto, coinciding with the recent Hulu release of ‘Flamin’ Hot,’ a gallery has just opened which has contributed the Flamin’ extended universe: a group exhibition totally centered around and in celebration of the spicy snack.
An idea he dreamed up when he was nine-years-old, graphic designer Dario Villa was inspired to finally make it a reality. Now 35, Villa curated the show with support from Gallery 1202. Aptly titled ‘Flamin’ Hot,’ Villa hopes the exhibit will be a nostalgia-infused experience for viewers. In an interview with Artnet News, Villa discussed the divisiveness of the country and how this snack acts as a common unifier.
Specifically, Villa highlighted Flamin’ Hot Cheetos’ importance in the Chicano experience. The exhibit, he hopes, will be a “Chicano-style interpretation of pop culture to tap into that source of malaise we have as a collective.” As a first-generation American, with both of his parents emigrating from Mexico, Villa felt like he sat “at the intersection of American culture.” The collection of artworks reflect his “insider-outsider perspective that’s very much informed by the historical art context of like Andy Warhol.”
Villa decided to have an open call on social media to attract local Bay Area artists. After 50 submissions, the show was curated down to 26 flamin’-inspired art pieces. Ranging in style, medium, and content, the one common denominator among the works is that they (literally) include or are heavily inspired by the Flamin’ Hot Cheeto.
While not the most traditional artistic muse, “there’s a still life of Hot Cheetos that’s just so beautiful,” Villa said.
The gallery is on view at 7363 Monterey Street, Gilroy, California, and will be on display until August 12.
Featured Image Via Gilroy Dispatch