Four Voices Exhibit

 

 

Four Voices Exhibit by Michael Nye, 2017

National Parks connect our past to the present. Sometimes they illuminate natural landscapes while other times they amplify and honor historical events. Our parks are agreements between generations, symbols of significance, care and deep reflection.

The stories from San Antonio Missions represent divergent and significant points of view: 17th Century explorers - Native American groups of the Southwest - Early Texas history – Spanish colonization - Stone masons and builders of the Missions – Battles of opposing interest – There is also the point of view of the land and creeks and pecan trees and the deep blue South Texas skies above.

The history of the Missions did not end in the 17th, 18th or 19th century. No. History is energetic and invites present participation. In every corner, every room, in every mission, light grows brighter or dims. New emerging voices and experiences bring life and breath into a larger understanding. This small project is about listening.

 

Steven Siggins, Stone Mason, National Park Service

Michael Nye 2017

“It’s all about the missions and that’s what it's all about. It’s the only reason why I do my work. You just can't go out there and throw mud in that wall. I’ve seen plenty of masons get on a historic wall and it's just another job. They don’t care if they’re matching, they just want to get out of there. You have to have a respect for the history of it or else you won't do it right, you really won't.” - Steven Siggins, Stone Mason, National Park Service.

 

 

Olga Gonzalez, Mission Concepcion Parish Administrator

Michael Nye 2017

“I was the administrator. I was the maintenance. I was everything. The rangers used to call me the boss because I had the keys to open all the rooms. I did all the books. I paid the priests. I used to sweep all the church, mop it and washing the linens. It's hard to explain how I feel for Mission Concepcion. I love my house is the way I love Mission Concepcion. And I love my house.” - Olga Gonzalez, Mission Concepcion Parish Administrator

 

Robert Garcia, Historian.

Michael Nye 2017.

“On March 5, 1731, the Testimonial de Possession ceremony took place. That was the
ceremony of the physical taking of possession of the site of Mission Concepcion. I
immediately had it translated and there was the name of a grandfather of mine, many
generations back. I was proud that he had been part of that ceremony. He saw the raw
land before the church was built. He saw the Indians that were there.” - Robert Garcia, Historian.

 

Estella Kierce, American Indian, Coahuiltecan

Michael Nye 2017.

“My great-great- grandmother was a Coahuiltecan Indian born February 23 rd , 1826 at Mission Espada. She was actually raised there. As I go through Mission Concepcion, I have lots of questions. What were my ancestors thinking when they saw this beautiful church and heard the music? Can you imagine how their hearts must've been beating with anxiety? They were changing so much of their culture and their spirituality of nature, the sun, the moon, the waters, the calmness of the waters.” - Estella Kierce, American Indian, Coahuiltecan