Teodomino Fuentes Paloma
Artist
Janire Najera
Date2014
MediumPhotograph printed on aluminum
DimensionsUnframed: 36 x 36 in. (91.4 x 91.4 cm)
ClassificationsPhotography
Credit LineGift of the artist
Object number2017.8.2
Label TextMoving Forward, Looking Back: Journeys Across the Old Spanish Trail is a multidisciplinary artistic project focused on identity, based on memory, and inspired by travel. Intrigued by the expeditions undertaken by the Spanish explorers in the Southwest of the United States in the 19th century, and driven by her quest for insightful knowledge of that world and its remains, the Spanish photo-journalist Janire Najera took the Old Spanish Trail accompanied by her camera, her assistant Matt Wright, and a 1984 RV named Orwell. Teodomiro is a Spanish-born person who became an American citizen in 1982, changing his name to Theo, which in Greek means God. He is a Spanish priest who served in the Philippines and California and, as such, serves as a modern-day example of the lifestyle that many Spanish Fathers before him embraced when they ventured to the colonies.
After serving in the Philippines, he was sent to the United States, and was located in El Paso, Texas for twelve years and afterwards he lived in Phoenix for six years before coming to Los Angeles. Initially, he was involved with other churches in the city such as la Placita, located downtown by Olvera Street, and he recalls that each weekend they would normally baptize 40 children. Afterwards, Teodomiro was moved to San Gabriel Mission where he has since remained. San Gabriel was once the destination point for travelers from the east. Today, they deliver six Masses in English, three Masses in Spanish, and one in Vietnamese.
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