An exhibit at the State Fair of Texas helps the blind and visually impaired connect with art through touch. A tactile art exhibit called “Masterpiece Relief for the Blind” is part of the annual Mundo Latino at the Women’s Museum Building in Fair Park.
The exhibition features six embossed pieces by Dallas native Tomas Bustos that are based on famous painting, including the “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo da Vinci and “Starry Night” by Vincent van Gogh.
It allows visually impaired individuals to explore and appreciate art through touch.
“A blind person touched the “Mona Lisa” while visiting the Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind, unaware of what it was, which inspired us,” said Bustos, the artist behind the exhibit. “He was putting his hands on it and he figured out ‘It’s a woman’ and when my friend said ‘it’s the Mona Lisa’ he took his hands off in reverence and respect. He took a step back and said ‘I’ve never seen the Mona Lisa til today,’”
Bustos and his wife, Jacinta Hernandez, have dedicated the last 14 years to sculpting tactile art. Unlike conventional paintings or sculptures that engage primarily through sight, tactile art allows people to connect through touch by physically interacting with the art work.
Through feedback from the visually impaired community, Bustos and Hernandez enhanced their collection aiming to include diverse artworks, creating pieces ranging from the Renaissance to modern masterpieces.
“Art is for everyone,” Bustos emphasized, highlighting the importance of breaking down barriers for the blind and visually impaired.
The couple’s mission is to pave the way for a more inclusive future in the world of art.
“The exhibit is really made for two types of people, the blind and people who are visually impaired. That’s why we have three colors and three in white … the blind person doesn’t see color, but they can still touch it,” Bustos said.
“Masterpiece Relief for the Blind” is part of Mundo Latino, which is open daily during the State Fair of Texas 2024 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Women’s Museum Building in Fair Park.