Angelica Raquel: Mystic Threads

‘Mystic Threads’ Showcases Angelica Raquel’s Fiber-Based Stories Shaped by South Texas and the Borderlands

Rooted in fiber, folklore and family storytelling, “Angelica Raquel: Mystic Threads” explores the space where reality and imagination intersect. The solo exhibition by San Antonio-based multidisciplinary artist Angelica Raquel will showcase 18 works, including fiber sculptures, paintings and immersive installations, at the McNay Art Museum from Jan. 29-July 5.

Raquel (American, b. 1993) conjures a visual world of childhood memories, dreams, urban legends and ancestral lore drawn from her upbringing in Laredo, Texas. Human-animal hybrids appear, while sculptural figures invite viewers in with soft-felted bodies, adorned surfaces and vivid colors. Acting as a new generational storyteller, Raquel creates narratives that bridge the past and present.

Raquel gives many of the materials a second life, sourcing beads, charms and felt from thrift stores to continue a story in a new moment. The materials are accessible and encourage visitors to explore their own creativity.

Born and raised in Laredo, Texas, Raquel draws her inspiration from the border city’s folklore and storytelling tradition. She earned her Master of Fine Arts from The University of Texas at San Antonio and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Texas State University. In 2019, she taught herself needle felting and rug hooking to fully realize a singular artistic vision, techniques that have since become central to her practice.