March 24, 2024 0 Exhibition Belinda Gallery Opening. MÍRAME’s Artists at LA’s Craig Krull Gallery Introduction Costa Rican contemporary art is experiencing an important moment, as thirteen artists from the Central American nation step onto the international stage at LA’s Craig Krull Gallery. The title of the exhibition is “Seguimos: Contemporary Art in Costa Rica,” curated by Hannah Sloan, the former gallery owner of Sloan Projects. The gallery opening is Saturday 30 March, kicking off with an artist talk. Gallery Opening. Featured Artists from MÍRAME Fine Art At the forefront of this gallery opening and cultural celebration are three significant artists represented by MÍRAME Fine Art: Adrián Arguedas Ruano, Christian Wedel, and Allegra Pacheco. Discover more from MIRAME Fine Art's talented roster of artists. Follow for updates Instagram Facebook ADRIÁN ARGUEDAS Adrián Arguedas Ruano stands as one of Latin America's most prestigious exponents of engraving and woodcut, echoing the legacy of Francisco Amighetti. Hailing from Barva de Heredia, Costa Rica, a town recognised for its celebration of popular mask parades, Arguedas has an affinity for appropriating commonplace imagery and recontextualising it in unexpected scenarios. Arguedas’ figurative work embraces the spirit of masquerade as he delves into the concept of masks and the various guises people adopt. Always referencing popular culture, his work presents masks as archetypes, depicting patterns of behaviour, offering a lens through which to view our multifaceted human experience. He explores dichotomies such as life vs death, tall vs small, and beauty vs ugliness. Additionally, the juxtaposition between the playful and the violent is a central theme, driven by an undercurrent of parody that imparts a critical dimension to his canvases, and reveals a marked European influence from artists such as Pieter Brueghel, Hieronymus Bosch and Edward Hopper. His current exhibition at El Museo de Arte Costarricense features bravura paintings and prints inspired by this ritual, alongside his hand-made masks—a tradition inherited from his great uncle, a legendary mask maker. This gallery opening was visited by over 700 people, which was a huge event in the Costa Rican cultural calendar. Arguedas' works not only pay homage to Costa Rican heritage but also offer a profound exploration of identity and tradition. Sujeción, 2021, Oil on fabric ALLEGRA PACHECO Born and raised in San José, Costa Rica, Allegra Pacheco draws inspiration from her surroundings, infusing her works with a blend of intimacy and strength. Pacheco's intense fighter series, stemming from her recent commitment to combat sports, channels passion and intensity. Close-up images of bloodied female faces, almost abstract in nature, starkly confront the viewer with the raw and visceral side of the sport. The juxtaposition of beautiful red and pink tones against the blood and skin references the duality between feminine beauty and the hyper-masculine grit of combat. In another of her fighting series, Pacheco depicts abstract blurred fighters against black backgrounds, capturing both a moment in time and the dynamic movement intrinsic to the excitement of a fight. Alongside her paintings, Pacheco's autobiographical videos provide a glimpse into her personal journey, exploring themes of identity, femininity, and empowerment. Pacheco's dynamic portfolio continues to inspire as her exhibition "Dear Salaryman" has just finished at Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporáneo de Costa Rica. Untitled, 2023, Oil on canvas CHRISTIAN WEDEL Christian Wedel's artistic journey reflects his deep exploration of nature and the human condition. Drawing inspiration from his time spent in the lush Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, Wedel infuses his artworks with the vibrant energy and beauty of his surroundings. Utilising various mediums such as painting, sculpture, and installation, Wedel creates immersive experiences that encourage viewers to ponder the intricate bond between humans and nature. His recent paintings, characterised by opulent shapes and a harmonious palette of forest greens and aquas, evoke a feeling of tropical futurism. Fascinated by the dense tropical landscapes of the Caribbean coast, Wedel delves into the interplay and exchange of attributes between plants and human bodies. Through this exploration, he weaves micro-narratives about interspecies connections, offering a poignant meditation on the interconnectedness of all life forms. Fountain II, 2022, Oil on canvas Exploring Identity Through Art Beyond individual artists, “Seguimos” delves into the complexities of Costa Rican identity through a diverse array of mediums, including installation, video, painting, works on paper, and sculpture. Many of the artists featured in the show identify as queer, adding an important layer to the exploration of themes such as body, identity, and place. Other Artists in the Exhibition/Gallery Opening The exhibition features a diverse array of talents, each contributing their unique perspective to the conversation. From Javier Calvo's provocative interrogations of Costa Rican identity to Lucía Howell's mesmerizing videos blurring the lines between body and landscape, the exhibition promises to challenge and inspire viewers. Participating Artists: Adrián Arguedas Ruano, Alina González, Allegra Pacheco, Christian Wedel, Isaac Loría, Javier Calvo, La Cholla Jackson, Lucía Howell, Luciano Goizueta, Matias Sauter Morera, Mimian Hsu Chen, Priscilla Romero-Cubero, Valiente Pastel Conclusion The gallery opening of “Seguimos: Contemporary Art in Costa Rica” making its debut at Craig Krull Gallery, heralds a new era of recognition and appreciation for Costa Rican artists on the global stage. Through their diverse perspectives and innovative approaches, these artists invite us to enjoy conversations that transcend borders and boundaries. Experience the brilliance of Costa Rican contemporary art firsthand at Craig Krull Gallery. Visit the exhibition and immerse yourself in the captivating works on display. Exhibition Information March 30 - May 18, 2024 Artist Talk with Adrián Arguedas Ruano, Allegra Pacheco, Priscilla Romero-Cubero, Mimian Hsu Chen, Luciano Goizueta, Matias Sauter Morera Gallery opening. Saturday, March 30th, 3pm Artist Reception Saturday, March 30th, 4:30-6:30pm Discover more from MIRAME Fine Art's talented roster of artists.
