RojoNegro Installs Ceramic Artwork at UC San Diego
The permanent outdoor piece, titled "La asamblea del barro," is made of 260 hand-painted ceramic tiles across four tree-like panels.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Fine Art
Artist duo RojoNegro has installed a permanent outdoor artwork on the University of California, San Diego campus. The work, "La asamblea del barro" (2026), is built from 260 unique, hand-painted ceramic tiles mounted on four tree-like panels.
Why it matters
The installation brings a Mexico-based artist duo's work to a permanent public setting in San Diego, extending their practice beyond gallery exhibitions. The duo, which represents Mexico at the 61st Venice Biennale, draws on the four cosmic trees that sustain the universe in Mesoamerican thought.
The installation uses 260 unique, hand-painted ceramic tiles mounted on four tree-like panels. The source does not specify the piece's dimensions, cost, or the date it was unveiled.
The players
RojoNegro
A duo of artists María Sosa and Noé Martínez who represent Mexico at the 61st Venice Biennale and work from Mexico City.
University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
A public research university whose campus hosts the permanent installation.
The details
The artwork, titled "La asamblea del barro" (2026), was created by María Sosa and Noé Martínez, the artists behind RojoNegro, who are based in Mexico City and originally from Michoacán. The piece includes the four cosmic trees that sustain the universe in Mesoamerican thought, rendered in ceramic.
Timeline
2026: "La asamblea del barro" created and unveiled on the UC San Diego campus.
Industry Dynamics
The piece follows a path of Mexican artists carrying Mesoamerican cosmological imagery into international venues, including the 61st Venice Biennale. Its placement on a university campus places it within a growing practice of permanent public art commissions rather than temporary exhibitions.
The installation is on the UC San Diego campus and is permanent, so it can be seen in person by visiting the campus. The source does not state public access hours or any restrictions for viewing.
The takeaway
Permanent public art like this lets readers encounter international artistic practices close to home without visiting a gallery or biennale. Checking a campus or arts calendar before visiting can confirm access details.
Further reading
Explore more San Diego Fine Art coverage for context on the city's public art scene.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hyperallergic.
