This 20-ft sculpture downtown is turning heads left and right. | Photo by SATXtoday team
While many public sculptures and murals in SATX have become beloved additions to parks, walls, and streets, not all art has been received with open arms.
We’re talking about the infamous “Gao Mao” sculpture that keeps turning a lot of heads.
Behind the controversy
A small, feminized version of Chairman Mao Zedong balancing atop a giant polished steel head of Vladimir Lenin now sits in La Zona at 333 W. Commerce Street. The sculpture made its way into SATX’s public art scenelast March. At that time it was — and still is — met with much scrutiny.
The Gao brothers were born in Jinan, Shandong Province, at a time of great political unrest. Their father, a victim of the Chinese Cultural Revolution, was executed in 1968 due to his “intellectual and bourgeois” tendencies. This traumatic event led to therecurring image of Mao in many of their artworks.
The Beijing-based brothers’ avant-garde approach to art is often scrutinized for being overtly political and even “pornographic.” Learn more about the Gao Brothers.
Explaining the sculpture
According to the artists themselves, the piece can be referred to as a “political narrative” that questions the two figures’ relative stature. Mao is also depicted as a woman throughout much of the Gao Brother’s work, as he was called “the mother of China.”
The sculpture can be read as a commentary on the relationship between the two leaders and their ideologies.
Wednesday Wine Tasting at Copa Wine Bar | Wednesday, Jan. 11 | 5-9 p.m. | Copa Wine Bar & Tasting Room, 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy., San Antonio | $25 | Try six different hand-picked selections at this monthly wine tasting.
Audubon Photography Awards Exhibit | Wednesday, Jan. 11-Monday, Jan. 16 | San Antonio Water System Headquarters, 2800 US-281, San Antonio | Free | View the stunning winning images from the National Audubon Society Photography Contest.
Thursday, Jan. 12
Pretty Woman: The Musical | Thursday, Jan. 12-Sunday, Jan. 15 | 7:30 p.m. | Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St., San Antonio | $45-$150 | One of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories of all time springs to life with a powerhouse creative team.
Geeks Who Drink Pub Trivia | Thursday, Jan. 12-Thursday, Jan. 2 | 7-9 p.m. | Tech Port Center, 3331 General Hudnell Dr. , San Antonio | Free | Geeks Who Drink brings the nation’s best pub quiz to Tech Port Center every Thursday, with seven rounds of audio, visual + live-hosted trivia (and yes, there are prizes — including concert tickets).*
Friday, Jan. 13
River Walk Winter Artisan Show | Friday, Jan. 13 | 11 a.m.-11 p.m. | San Antonio River Walk, 849 E. Commerce St., San Antonio | Cost of purchase | Shop from 40+ handmade artisan booths, including items like pottery, textiles, jewelry, paintings, and more.
Cinema on Will’s Plaza | Flaming Star | Friday, Jan. 13 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Cir., San Antonio | Free | Bring your own lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the movie on a 32-ft LED video wall.
Saturday, Jan. 14
Nature Photography Workshop | Saturday, Jan. 14 | 9-11 a.m. | Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, 10750 Pleasanton Rd., San Antonio | $15-$20 | Bring your camera and learn tips on how to capture great nature photos, then enjoy a hike to work on techniques learned during the workshop.
The Story of Government Canyon | Saturday, Jan. 14 | 10-11 a.m. | Government Canyon State Natural Area, 12861 Galm Rd., San Antonio | Cost of admission | Join site interpreter John Koepke to learn about the history of the 210’s largest state natural area.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Students receive individualized attention at a 10:1 student teacher ratio.|Photo provided by Providence Catholic School
Did you know? Enrollment is still open at Providence Catholic School for girls in grades 6-12. 📚
PCS is more than a private school — it’s a place for young girls to find their voices in a safe and welcoming community, where students are prepped for the college of their choice by dedicated teachers + staff.
The City of San Antonio announced its schedule of city services for the upcoming Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday on Monday, Jan. 16. All Metro Health clinics, community centers, and libraries will be closed. Garbage and recycling collection will be picked up on the following days. ♻️
Biz
UTSA’s $91.8 million San Pedro I building held its grand opening on Monday. Graham Weston, a key backer of the project, is hoping this newly completed building will prove to be a catalyst for new center city developments. 🏗️ (San Antonio Business Journal)
Older Adults
The CoSA Department of Human Services will extend operational hours at 10 Comprehensive Senior Centers. Moving forward, older adults will have from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Monday-Thursday) and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m (Friday) to visit these centers. 👟
Health
WellMed will expand into an existing space at Ridgewood Medical Center in Stone Oak at 19114 N. Hwy. 281. Tenant improvements to the 18,000-sqft office will begin in March and are expected to finish in June. The Dawley Group will lead the nearly $2 million project. 🏥
Sports
Heads up.You might just bump into Peyton Manning this week. The 2023 NCAA Convention will kick off today at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. Check out what you need to know, including the introduction of a new president, an awards ceremony, and construction downtown. 🏈 (KSAT-12)
San Antonian
John Quiñones, news correspondent and a Boys and Girls Clubs of San Antonio alum, will be recognized at the Youth of the Year Gala at the Witte Museum on Wednesday, Feb. 8. An online auction and raffle by the organization is also accessible online.
Finance
This Princeton grad’s startup raised $161 million to help people plan for retirement — and its free tool can match you with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area who can help you work towards financial freedom. Try it out for yourself. 💸 *
If one of your New Year’s resolutions includes learning a new language — now’s your time to shine. Babbel is offering 55% off subscriptions for a limited time. How does it work?Short, 10-minute lessons(designed by real language teachers) will make you conversational in as little as three weeks of consistent practice. First step: Pick a language. 🌏 *
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Did you know that the CoSA Department of Arts & Culture alone has erected over 600 pieces of art across the city? In fact, this year, $5 million in funds — secured through a federal grant — will be allocated to arts + culture according to the city’s recently adopted FY 2023 budget.
We know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but want to share some of our favorite artworks.
Editor’s pick: The story about the Mao and Lenin sculpture came about from the feedback we got on this reel that features the artwork. Want to see it for yourself? Take a walk down the newly opened San Pedro Culture Creek Park.
Editorial:Ivan Briones, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.
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