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The Smallest of Worlds

October 9, 2013–August 31, 2014

This fall, the Oakland Museum of California unveils a selection of intricate dioramas from the collection of celebrated San Francisco artist Rex May. Possibly best known for designing the iconic 49-Mile Scenic Drive sign, Rex May had a great effect on the popularization of Latin American folk art, with a collection of over 1,400 Peruvian, Brazilian, Nicaraguan, and Mexican pieces.

The four dioramas on display capture everyday Mexican street scenes such as a flower market and a cantina, with figures created by the Aguilar family, artisans from Oaxaca. The dollhouse-like pieces portray fleeting moments in a truly unique and nostalgic way, evoking a playfulness that brings the depicted figures, buildings, and objects to life.

The installation in OMCA’s Gallery of California Art is inspired by the unique aesthetic of Rex May’s home, in which these dioramas were displayed amongst his vast collection of artwork.

The Smallest of Worlds is made possible in part by generous support from the Oakland Museum Women’s Board.

 Oakland Museum Women's Board

Media Partners:    Oakland Tribune

An interior photograph by Kazuhiro Tsuruta of Rex May's home, where he displayed much of his collection of Latin American folk art. Photo: Kaz Tsuruta.
The Smallest of Worlds, on view in the Gallery of California Art, features an interactive station where visitors can 'play registrar' using photographs and measurement tools to recreate the original diorama by Rex May. Photo: Ace Lehner.
Aguilar Family, [from left to right] Fruit and Flower Market, Ceramics Market, Plaza, components acquired and assembled between 1969 and the late 1980s. Mixed Media. Collection of the Oakland Museum of California, gift of the Estate of Rex May. Photo: Ace Lehner.
Aguilar Family, Ceramic Market, components acquired and assembled between 1969 and the late 1980s. Mixed Media. Collection of the Oakland Museum of California, gift of the Estate of Rex May. Photo: Kaz Tsuruta.
Aguilar Family, Flower and Fruit Market, components acquired and assembled between 1969 and the late 1980s. Mixed Media. Collection of the Oakland Museum of California, gift of the Estate of Rex May. Photo: Kaz Tsuruta.
Aguilar Family, Cantina, components acquired and assembled between 1969 and the late 1980s. Mixed Media. Collection of the Oakland Museum of California, gift of the Estate of Rex May. Photo: Kaz Tsuruta. Photo: Kaz Tsuruta.
Photo of Josefina Aguilar in process of creating ceramic figures. Photo: Bea Carrillo Hocker and Phyllis Rutner, 2009.