Guanacaste Exhibition

Despite enduring an exceptionally challenging rainy season, the province of Guanacaste has found a moment of reprieve and inspiration in the arts. On November 15, 2024, the Museo de Guanacaste in Liberia opened "Disrupción de límites: Pluriculturalismo en el arte contemporáneo guanacasteco" (translated: Disruption of boundaries: Pluriculturalism in contemporary Guanacasteca art).

This remarkable exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to connect with the region’s dynamic creative spirit while reflecting on its rich cultural heritage. Running until November 25, the event comes at a poignant time, showcasing art as a source of unity and hope for a community weathering significant hardship.

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A guided tour at the Museo de Guancaste, Liberia

A Deep Reflection on Culture and Identity

Curated by Illimani de los Andes, Yasser Salamanca, and Luis Fernando Quirós, the exhibition is part of the celebrations for Costa Rica’s bicentennial and serves as a tribute to Guanacaste’s multifaceted cultural identity. By framing their curatorial approach through themes of non-linear time and cultural decolonisation, the trio seeks to present a layered narrative of the province’s history and creative potential.

This Guanacaste exhibition is particularly meaningful for the region's residents. It invites the community to recognise its distinct traditions, perspectives, and innovations—features that are often overshadowed by external narratives. The artworks on display become mirrors of self-discovery, encouraging audiences to reflect on the cultural vibrancy embedded in their surroundings.

Earth, Water, and History

The exhibition draws on the foundational elements of earth, water, fire, and their interplay with culture to ground its artistic exploration. Many of the pieces celebrate materials and practices deeply rooted in Guanacaste’s history, such as clay pottery, woodwork, and natural fibres. These traditions are interwoven with the region’s Mesoamerican influences, brought by ancient migrations that left a lasting imprint on local artistic expression.

From the polychrome pottery introduced centuries ago to contemporary interpretations of natural landscapes, the exhibition emphasises the enduring connection between the land and its people. By juxtaposing these historical forms with modern techniques and perspectives, the exhibition challenges audiences to see the evolution of Guanacaste’s cultural identity.

Spotlight on Leading Artists

Christian Porras, a Liberia-based artist represented by MÍRAME Fine Art, presents wooden assemblages that reimagine early 20th-century movements like Constructivism and Cubo-Futurism through a local lens. His works highlight the vibrant tradition of mask-making in Guanacaste’s festivals while exploring broader themes of cultural identity and artistic heritage.

Christian Porras in his studio, 2023 (Photography by Adriana Méndez)

Porras reflects on the significance of the Guanacaste exhibition:

"This Guanacaste exhibition is incredibly meaningful to me because it represents a movement from rural areas like mine—places that have had few, if any, opportunities to showcase work in the capital. Together, we’ve filled the space with an array of colours and textures—so distinct yet so harmoniously connected. Being part of this gives me hope to keep creating and reminds me that I’m not alone. There are other artists here in Guanacaste working with concept, heart, and soul, pursuing their craft with the same passion."

Among the standout contributors is Cristina Gutiérrez, whose work has gained significant attention. Her work is currently included in the CROMA Biennial at the Escazu Country Club, and has also been part of a recent showcase at the "Mesoamérica Tierra de Huellas" exhibition in San José. For her piece titled Petro-Grapho 2, Gutiérrez draws inspiration from ancient petrogliffs carved into the mountains of Guanacaste, reinterpreting these symbols in a mixed-media format that bridges the ancient and the contemporary.

Other notable mentions include Ana Alan, from Playa Tamarindo, who contributes a piece that juxtaposes serene coastal imagery with modern global influences, inviting reflection on the interplay between natural beauty and human intervention. Similarly, Gabriela Valenzuela’s works confront themes of health and memory, using her connection to Guanacaste’s natural landscapes to explore creativity’s role in resilience and renewal.

Ruth Bonilla, from La Cruz, presents Soley, a politically charged installation examining the shared border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Using sand and shells to symbolise the fluidity and connection between the two nations, her piece underscores the deep cultural ties that transcend physical boundaries.

An Artistic Renaissance for Guanacaste

This Guanacaste exhibition highlights the region's contemporary art scene and the people of Guanacaste's resilience and creativity. By presenting a broad spectrum of artistic mediums—ranging from painting and sculpture to photography and installations—the curators have created a space that celebrates diversity and fosters critical reflection.

In a year marked by extraordinary weather challenges, "Disrupción de límites" offers a rare moment to come together, appreciate the region’s artistic achievements, and reflect on the deeper narratives that shape Guanacaste. As visitors step into the Museo de Guanacaste, they are welcomed into a celebration of creativity, community, and the enduring power of art to uplift even in the most trying times.

We can't wait to go and visit the show!

Museo de Guanacaste, Liberia, Costa Rica

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