Recuerdo

Recuerdo, which is Spanish for "memory," is a title with multiple meanings in filmmaker Christopher Beaver’s short documentary about Nicholas Herrera, a celebrated folk artist in New Mexico. A vibrant man in his mid-50s, Herrera is largely seen scurrying around a huge parcel of wild land at a high elevation. With shovel in hand and a few dogs orbiting around him, Herrera clears debris from the many creeks that feed a river. This act seems to have less to do with environmentalism then it does with a symbolic process of cleaning the channels that feed memory. But while it’s fun to watch Herrera take care of the land’s business (and that of his own subconscious), Recuerdo becomes more interesting when the artist takes a break and gives viewers a tour of his art studio. Watching Herrera work with elements culled from nature, it’s easy to see why he is held in such high regard. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)