December 30, 2024 0 Contemporary art, Costa Rica, Exhibition Belinda Highlights from Andaz Art Week MÍRAME Fine Art and Andaz Art Week: A Week of Costa Rican Art Celebration Andaz Art Week offered an extraordinary opportunity to engage people with Costa Rica’s contemporary art scene over the festive week, a moment to reflect on its tradition, innovation, and identity. Over several days, artists, guests and visitors gathered to explore ideas through artist talks, workshops, and interactive experiences. For those unable to attend, here is a closer look at the week’s standout moments. Eliecer Rodríguez: Hyperrealism and the Power of the Everyday Eliecer Rodríguez talked about to us about his hyperrealist paintings, where ordinary objects transform into poignant reflections on life and the environment. His precise yet emotive approach highlights themes of resilience and ecological balance, as seen in his striking cactus painting and iconic shark piece. Rodríguez explained how his meticulous technique goes beyond representation, injecting everyday subjects with deeper meaning. Guests were particularly drawn to his ability to create a cinematic tension between precision and emotion, leaving a lasting impression of Costa Rica’s evolving artistic landscape. Eliecer Rodríguez's artist talk at Andaz Art Week Natural Dyeing with Katrin Aason Textile artist Katrin Aason’s session was a masterclass in materiality and process. Known for her use of natural dyes, Aason brought along avocado pits and onion skins, sharing how these elements shape the delicate tones of her geometric designs. Through her demonstration, she articulated a practice that is as much about the environment as it is about the craft itself, leaving visitors with an appreciation for the meticulous work behind her pieces. Her use of natural elements opened discussions about sustainability and the tangible links between art and the natural world. Katrin Aason giving an artist talk at Andaz Art Week Christian Porras: Music and the Visual Landscape A painter and musician hailing from Guanacaste, Christian Porras offered an intimate performance that revealed the connections between his two disciplines. Picking up his guitar between discussions, Porras shared songs inspired by the landscapes and traditions of his home, explaining how rhythm and melody find echoes in his canvases. His dual practice highlighted a nuanced perspective on storytelling, bridging auditory and visual experiences while offering a fresh take on Costa Rica’s artistic identity. Christian Porras with a family celebrating music and landscape painting during Andaz Art Week Perception and the Unseen with Fabian Monge Fabian Monge’s exploration of perception was a highlight of the week. Speaking about works from across his oeuvre, including his Meaningless Data series and chair paintings, Monge invited audiences to reconsider how they interpret visual stimuli. His looser, more instinctive works—contrasted with the precision of his structured pieces—opened a dialogue about memory, intuition, and the act of seeing. The talk not only revealed Monge’s intellectual rigor but also underscored the conceptual breadth of Costa Rican contemporary art. Jonathan Baldock, Fabian Monge and Belinda Seppings (left to right) during Andaz Art Week Environmental Art-Making with Karla Herencia Karla Herencia’s workshop brought a hands-on dimension to Andaz Art Week. Focusing on the environmental impact of human activity, Herencia guided participants in creating mixed-media collages from repurposed materials. Families engaged in discussions about conservation and creativity, while the act of making offered a tangible way to connect with broader ecological concerns. Herencia’s workshop demonstrated how art can be both reflective and proactive, providing an accessible entry point into critical issues. Art workshop with Karla Herencia during Andaz Art Week Adrián Arguedas: Tradition in Motion Adrian Arguedas’ masquerade performance was a dynamic finale to the week’s events. Wearing a traditional mask and costumes, Arguedas danced through the hotel, bringing to life a tradition rooted in the Pagan tradition. His performance illuminated the ways in which masquerade reflects community and identity, offering a layered commentary on Costa Rica’s evolving culture. It was an electrifying moment that celebrated both the history and the adaptability of a distinctly local art form. Adrián Arguedas performing masquerade during Andaz Art Week Conclusion to Andaz Art Week Andaz Art Week succeeded in presenting a thoughtful and engaging overview of Costa Rica’s contemporary art, revealing the ways in which its artists draw on tradition while addressing global concerns. It served as a reminder of the country’s cultural richness and its growing place on the international stage. As we look to 2025, MÍRAME Fine Art remains committed to supporting the exceptional talent within Costa Rica, continuing to build bridges between local perspectives and global audiences. For those who attended, we hope the week left you as inspired as it did us. For those who missed it, we look forward to welcoming you to future events celebrating this vital and dynamic art scene. MÍRAME Contact Information: MÍRAME Fine Art Email: [email protected] Follow: Facebook | Instagram
