Creatures in the Playing Field | Xavier Tavera

Creatures in the Playing Field is a short index with 27,000 acres. This playing field, not to be confused with a battle field, comprehends life and death creatures, mythical and imaginary organisms that inhabit the grounds. 

Organisms are within the confines of a system so vast that we cannot imagine their limits. These creatures that roam the parks are hidden in plain sight. The cohabitate and reproduce in a balanced environment where they feed off each other, and feed on each other, evasive and cagey. This is the home of an intricate and diverse group of creatures where humans are caregivers and intruders. 

Xavier Tavera has had a passion for portraiture for most of his life as a way to engage with people and their stories. Tavera's work oscillates between documentary and the imagined with the sole purpose of telling a story. After moving from Mexico City to the United States, Tavera has devoted himself to tell the stories of the Latin American diaspora, often recontextualizing with the purpose of providing visibility and fair representation. 

Tavera has shown his work extensively in the Twin Cities, nationally and internationally including Germany, Scotland, Mexico, Chile, Uruguay, Switzerland, Portugal, Greece and China. His work is part of the collections of the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Plains Art Museum, Minnesota Museum of American Art, Minnesota History Center, Ramsey County Historical Society, the Weisman Art Museum and the National Museum of Mexican Art. He is a recipient of the McKnight fellowship, Jerome Travel award, State Arts Board and Bronica scholarship.

Gallery Hours:
Daily from 9 am - 5 pm.

Image: Talon, Archival Pigment Print, 24"X32", 2025