What’s On in Costa Rica

MÍRAME Artists Olga and Philipp Anaskin Exhibit Together at Galería Valanti in San José. Read more here.

A joint exhibition of sibling artists Olga and Philipp Anaskin opened at Galería Valanti in San José, on 12 September, 2024. This marks the first time the Anaskin siblings, originally from Russia, will exhibit together, offering the public a rare opportunity to experience their distinct artistic voices side by side. The exhibition is free and open to the public.

Olga Anaskina’s work delves into abstraction, transforming landscapes, figures, and floral compositions into reflections on memory, time, and the transient nature of beauty. Her gestural brushwork blends realism and abstraction, creating emotionally charged paintings.

Philipp Anaskin’s work, in contrast, explores themes of identity and transformation through surreal, dreamlike depictions of the human form and intimate family scenes. His art blurs the line between reality and fantasy, engaging viewers in reflections on the complexities of life and personal experience.

This exhibition at Galería Valanti offers a unique dialogue between the siblings’ differing yet complementary artistic approaches, making it an important contribution to Costa Rica’s contemporary art scene. MÍRAME Fine Art proudly supports the event and encourages inquiries into the artists' work.

Experience Roberto Murillo’s Monumental Charcoal Works.

Roberto Murillo, Campo de Batalla, Museo Calderón Guardia, San José. On until 30 September. Read More here.

Roberto Murillo, La Contradiccion, Charcoal on paper. Photography by Julio Sequeira.

San José’s Museo Calderón Guardia will present an important exhibition of Roberto Murillo’s latest works this September, focusing on his latest nude project showcasing many aspects of the human body. Opening on September 5th and running until September 30th, this show marks a pivotal moment in Murillo’s career. The exhibition features pieces developed over the past four years, reflecting the evolution of his style.

Murillo’s art has long been recognized for its intense focus on the nude project, often rendered in large-scale charcoal drawings. This collection delves into the symbolic and metaphorical aspects of the nude form, engaging with psychological, philosophical, and social themes. Murillo’s use of chiaroscuro, with its stark contrasts between light and dark, adds a dynamic and emotional layer to his depictions, bringing out both the visible and hidden facets of his subjects.

This exhibition at Museo Calderón Guardia, while deeply personal for the artist, is expected to evoke strong emotional responses from viewers. For those who cannot attend, MÍRAME Fine Art, which represents Murillo, offers an innovative augmented reality feature, allowing people to engage with his nude project virtually and experience its full impact from anywhere in the world.

Paz Ulloa, VESICA ELIPTA, cero uno, San José.

Costa Rican sculptor Paz Ulloa, known as "White Mountain," is rapidly gaining recognition as a leading figure in contemporary art. Initially a painter, Ulloa transitioned to sculpture to explore the physicality of form and space, using materials like steel, glass, and wood. Her innovative works blur the lines between art and utility, compelling viewers to reconsider their relationship with everyday objects.

Central to her practice is a meditation on time and daily life, with pieces that introduce elements of the surreal into familiar forms. Her upcoming residency at Cero Uno in San José, starting on August 31, is a unique opportunity to experience her work in one of Costa Rica's most innovative and exciting independent art spaces.

Más Allá Del Índigo, Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, San José. Featuring Katrin Aason Bucher. Read more here.

"Más Allá Del Índigo" showcases 24 new paintings by Katrin Aason Bucher at the Museum of Art and Design in San José. This exhibition features her innovative blend of textiles and geometric abstraction, inviting viewers to explore themes of cultural history and the human experience.

Katrin Aason Buchers's work challenges conventional perceptions, encouraging fresh interpretations with each piece, making it a must-see event for art lovers.

Javier Calvo, Estates, deCERCA, San José.

Javier Calvo, deCERCA

Open at deCERCA’s new headquarters in San José, an exhibition of work by Javier Calvo explores the dual concepts of “State” as a political organization and “state” as a temporary condition of people whose circumstances are subject to change.

The exhibition features Calvo's drawings, 3D-printed renders, plaster and concrete sculptures, and video installations. Don't forget to visit deCERCA at their other location at Sendero Gallery in Nosara.

What's on in Costa Rica, w/c 16 September 2024.