March 31, 2024 0 Exhibition Belinda Gallery Opening. Cursed Poems: Explore Aimée Joaristi’s Art in San José. Over 50 new artworks on show. Gallery opening. AIMÉE JOARISTI. Cursed Poems Calderón Guardia Museum, San José Gallery opening night: 4th April, 2024. Show on until 1 May, 2024. "I would be a damned poet if I didn't know how to paint" Aimée Joaristi Introduction Journey through Aimée Joaristi's multidisciplinary art in 'Cursed Poems' at San José’s Calderón Guardia Museum. The gallery opening is 4 April and the show explores themes, artworks, and Joaristi's inspirations. A Costa Rican citizen born in Havana and raised in Spain, Joaristi is a distinguished artist represented by MÍRAME Fine Art. Visit Aimée Joaristi's website. Visit MÍRAME Fine Art's website. Overview of 'Cursed Poems' Over 50 artworks made in the last five years Surveys Joaristi’s fusion of techniques and expressions Some of the works have never been seen before in Costa Rica Incorporate painting, installation, photography and video art Includes many of Joaristi’s pictorial series, including ‘Flowers of Evil’ and ‘Umbrias’ Also includes some of her symbolic installations, such as ‘The Lighthouse’ and “Vertebral’ Gallery opening 4 April. Shows runs until 1 May. Themes and Influences At the heart of Joaristi’s artistic ethos lies a deep reverence for her Cuban heritage and an intimate connection with nature. Nestled within the Costa Rican landscape surrounding her studio near San José, the lush hills become her inspiration and canvas, infusing her compositions with a sense of raw vitality and organic beauty. Guided by political consciousness and personal encounters, Joaristi explores themes like the unconscious, the pandemic, transgression, Cuban migration, and female empowerment through painting. In 'Cursed Poems,' Joaristi's typical incorporation of poetry into her exhibitions becomes evident, as this title originates from her exploration of poetic themes. Exploring the concept of a cursed poet grappling with unrecognised talent, she offers her own perspective in her poem "Poemas Malditos," likening the act of painting to attempting to “muddy the unattainable sky of the canvas.” "I feel like a visual poet. The written word has heavier weight to me than any image as it leaves much space to imagine,” says Joaristi, reflecting on her relationship with poetry. “The cursed poets are looking to transcend and redeem their tormented lives through poetry... I find myself doing this with my own work. Colourful can (but not always) carry a heavy message." This dialogue underscores the fusion of Joaristi's visual artistry and her poetic sensibilities, inviting visitors to experience the layered narratives woven through her different series. Highlight Works Through a rich interplay of dark, dramatic contrasts and vibrant hues, Joaristi’s canvases unfold like a visual narrative, revealing intricate details of faces, figures, objects, and architectural outlines. Embedded within the layers are echoes of nostalgia and wistful memories, reflecting Joaristi's deep-rooted connection to her Cuban heritage and formative years in Spain. Fiesta, 2023, Mixed media on canvas A notable painting in gallery show opening this week is "Fiesta," an entrancing piece from Joaristi's "Receptables" series, which exemplifies her distinctive style with its vibrant colours and dynamic compositions. This painting showcases energetic strokes of purple, pink, and red, punctuated by flashes of yellow, culminating in an outline of a vase emerging from within the brushstrokes. Yoruba, 2022, Mixed media on canvas In "Yoruba" from the "The Shape of Time" series, Joaristi delves into the abstract landscape of expressionism and levitation. The artist explores the concept of freezing a moment in time within a two-dimensional painting, creating a sense of static existence amidst a whirlwind of chaotic colors and gestures. Joaristi is known for incorporating objects such as canes, adding a deeply personal dimension to the composition. These ceramic staffs, imbued with autobiographical components, serve as poignant reflections of Joaristi's innermost thoughts and experiences. In addition to paintings, viewers can enjoy Joaristi's photography series "August," where she masterfully balances artificial and natural light to evoke a surreal and mystical ambiance. This series draws from Joaristi's memories of childhood summers, inviting viewers into transient and contemplative moments. An Image of Withdrawal 2, 2022, Photography and digital intervention Conclusion ‘Cursed Poems’ offers a compelling exploration of Joaristi’s ouevre, blending personal reflections with cultural heritage and societal commentary. It also serves as an invitation to discover the broader artistic landscape of San José, including MÍRAME Fine Art. Don't miss the gallery opening at the Calderón Guardia Museum and make sure you see the show that will run from 4 April to 1 May 2024. About Aimée Joaristi b. 1957, Cuba Lives and works in Escazú, Costa Rica Read her CV here Joaristi’s work is featured in various international public and private collections and has been exhibited globally, including at the Biennial Contemporary Art SACO in Chile, the Bienal de La Habana in Cuba, the Riga International Biennial of Contemproary Art, the Matadero in Madrid, Spain, and the University of Anahuac in Mexico City, Mexico. In 2024 Joaristi will also be participating in the exhibition “Blind Date” in Madrid, curated by the renowned Spanish curator Vicente Todolí, former direction of the Tate Modern in London.
