A UNIVERSAL MEXICAN: The Surreal World of José Sacal

Step into the surreal world of visionary Mexican sculptor José Sacal (1944–2018) in this powerful new exhibition presented at UC San Diego Park & Market. A UNIVERSAL MEXICAN: The Surreal World of José Sacal invites audiences to experience emotionally charged, politically resonant sculptures that reimagine cultural and historical figures—from Einstein and Gandhi to Frida Kahlo and Don Quixote—through Sacal’s distinctive abstract lens. Known for his expressive bronze and ceramic works, Sacal challenged traditional forms to explore themes of identity, justice, and the human condition.

This binational cultural initiative is made possible through the collaboration of Fundación Sacal, the Consulado General de México en San Diego, and UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, with support from the U.S. Consulate General in Tijuana, and Digital Gym Cinema. More than an exhibition, this project exemplifies “art as borderless education,” celebrating the powerful role of the arts in fostering dialogue, civic reflection, and lifelong learning between the U.S. and Mexico.

Spanning more than six decades of Sacal’s career, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity for U.S. audiences to engage with one of Latin America’s most important sculptors. Influenced by the likes of Picasso and Giacometti, Sacal’s fragmented yet deeply human forms evoke both anguish and resilience, pushing viewers to question what it means to live with dignity in a complex world. Critics have hailed his work for its surrealist depth, emotional charge, and global relevance.

Visitors are invited to experience the exhibition during regular gallery hours on the 2nd floor of Park & Market, adjacent to the Digital Gym Cinema. Admission is free and open to all. Join us in celebrating the power of art to transcend borders and bring communities together.

UC San Diego Park & Market Gallery

1100 Market Street

San Diego, CA