Luis Alberto Saldaña Soto's work (Güines, 1987). Saldaña graduated in Painting from the Eduardo Abela Provincial Academy of Fine Arts, Provincia Habana, in 2006. He has received several provincial awards, and his work has been part of various national and international exhibitions. His production is visually varied, characterized by his focus on landscapes, which at times take on metaphysical qualities and explore the present, circumstances, and the transcendent. Living in Mayabeque has significantly influenced his connection to the natural environment and docks, making his personal experiences the vital source of his creations. Currently, the sea is his motif, fragment, beginning, and end. Saldaña's intense dialogue with its vastness now includes photography to capture moments of change and transformations in its anatomy, expressed in waves and color. Objects appear not within the waters but at their edge, provoking reflections. This discourse is permeated by a certain narcissism, a deep visual poetry where one element uses the other as a mirror, creating a dual complicity. The result is works ranging from small formats to large paintings, originating from photography and embracing the legacy of Impressionism, leading to their expressive content. His journey started by extracting figures from the urban environment and placing them in the sea as Atlanteans, bearers of a previous content now assuming the guise of insularity. This has now transformed into documenting even diluted reality. The distortions of forms place his work on the abstract's edge, conceptualizing reality through water and its reflections. Saldaña challenges us to know each of its secrets, whether from its periphery or the center of its fluidity, always an indigo-tinted adventure where the water resists revealing all its secrets.
Expressiones Cultural Center is delighted to announce the “Sea of Stories” first Solo exhibition by Cuban artist Luis Saldaña Soto in the United States, our current artist in residence. The exhibit will open on August 3rd and will be available until September 6th. The opening reception will be held on August 3rd from 6 to 8 pm.
he entire community of art enthusiasts came together for the opening of the "Mar de Historias - Sea of Stories" exhibition by artist in residence Luis Saldaña Soto. This event marked the debut of his work in the United States. Attendees had the unique opportunity to engage in discussions about his captivating artistic vision, which eloquently explores themes of the sea, water, and life.
Expressiones AIR Spring 2024 Mary Morales is a Honduran painter, illustrator, and independent arts instructor. Her work reflects a deep interest in themes such as migration, violence against women, and landscape. In recent years, she has undertaken both individual and collaborative exhibition projects in Honduras, Central America, and the United States. Morales began her artistic journey as a self-taught artist, primarily focusing on intensive studies of European, Latin American, and contemporary artists' works. Over time, Morales infused her painting with political and protest elements addressing issues in her country and Latin America. She has collaborated with institutions like the Cultural Center of Spain (CCE) on feminist exhibitions. In 2022, Morales won the unique prize at the 27th Biennial of Painting of the Inter-American Honduran Institute of Culture with her piece "Between Waters." In 2023, she launched her immersive exhibition "Absent Faces" in collaboration with the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE), marking the first art exhibition in Honduras with virtual and augmented reality elements. Her works are featured in public and private collections across Honduras, Central America, the United States, and Europe.
We are delighted to present “Nomads,” the first solo exhibition in the United States by artist Mary Morales. Hailing from Honduras, Mary has garnered several awards in her native country. Her captivating works were created during her residency at Expressions in New London. The exhibition invites us to explore the concept of migration, both in the broader context of species and in the intimate details of individual experiences. Mary’s body of work, developed entirely during her stay, reflects her unique perspective on this universal theme. Join us for the opening reception this Saturday, May 25th, at 6:00 PM. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in Mary Morales’ thought-provoking art.
"Nomads" Since the beginning of my artistic career, I've dedicated myself to capturing realities to which I'm intimately connected. "Nomads" marks my third exhibition project centered around the theme of migration and transit. Migration, for me, represents a journey of spiritual transformation and adaptation, reflected in the ever-changing essence of water, a constant presence in my work. Both water and migration silently witness the changes, struggles, and inherent beauty of the constant movement inherent in all living things. Along the migrant route, particularly that of Central American migrants, bodies of water become constant companions on the journey; the Suchiate River, the Rio Grande, or the Tijuana Sea are part of the path. Water flowing and people walking, to me, are synonymous; anything that remains static stagnates and perishes. When I paint people in motion, I aim not to portray the individual but the collective, where we are all one and anyone can be anyone else. Thus, my art has become a testament to collective memory and a way to visualize stories of displacement, struggle, and dreams. Mary Morales
Our upcoming artist-in-residence hailing from Honduras is Josué Orellana, a vibrant and youthful talent brimming with enthusiasm. He is set to arrive in New London this week, bringing a wealth of innovative ideas for collaborating on community and children-focused projects. Let's get to know him better as he introduces himself.
Through a series of photographic metaphors, this ethereal display by Josué Orellana is a poetic meditation on the ebb and flow of connections within the human experience, each image a reflection of the search for the sacred divine and the ache its absence manifests in those for whom it eludes. Don’t miss this beautiful and provocative exhibit, presented in partnership between La Grua Center and Expressiones Cultural Center. Opening reception Friday, January 12, 5-7pm. 2024. Josué is a self-taught Honduran artist and educator Josué Orellana was born in Tegucigalpa and discovered a love of the visual arts at a young age. He studied both photography and filmmaking and has been recognized for his works nationally and internationally.
AIR Josué Orellana from Honduras is having his first Photograph Solo Show, thanks to our partner Cultural Organization La Grua Center in Stonington. Josué explains his work: "Within this evocative series, the protagonists are conspicuously absent, replaced by inanimate objects—chairs, furniture, and armchairs. These elements, carefully curated within photogenic scenarios, serve as metaphors for the voids left by human connections, resonating with the eloquence of solitude. The discerning eye perceives apparent portraits, yet the actual subjects are the lingering echoes of absence".
In a captivating video recording, Josué Orellana, the artist in residence from Honduras, concluded his three-month stay at Expressiones Cultural Center in New London with a unique Karaoke Installation Performance. The event featured a laid-back atmosphere with Pop Romantic vintage music, setting the stage for a lively interaction with the general public. Highlights of the performance included the active participation of attendees who joyfully joined in the karaoke, creating a shared and celebratory experience. Alongside the musical element, the installation showcased a display of paintings, creatively executed as found objects intervened. This nod to Arte Povera added an intriguing layer to the overall presentation, blending the worlds of music and visual art. The informal and inclusive nature of the event reflected Josué Orellana's vibrant artistic approach, engaging the community in a memorable and interactive farewell to his residency. The video recording captured the essence of this unique fusion of Karaoke, Pop Romantic vintage music, and intervened paintings, marking the conclusion of Josué's inspiring tenure at Expressiones Cultural Center.
Art Opening and Artist Talk April 9th, 5-7 PM. Exhibition will run until Saturday, April 30 TRAILBRAZING Expressiones Artists in Residence Iliana Scheggia & Ramón Ostolaza Expressiones Cultural Center is very proud to launch TRAILBRAZING an exhibition of two artists whose artistic practices and personal lives intersect in the same exhibition. About the exhibit Trailblazing is a sculptural installation result of Iliana and Ramon’s three-month residency program at Expressiones Cultural Center in New London, Connecticut. Their works make first contact, opening the path to a broader universe of form and thought. In Trailblazing we find two imaginary and timeless ecosystems in transit that evolve as they intersect, creating a new universe. These ecosystems are a metaphor for the evolution of thought and the fragility of its processes and sustainability over time. It reflects the need to renew strategies and knowledge to avoid stagnation and extinction. Iliana and Ramón approach their ecosystems from the abstract and the figurative, using geometric and organic shapes, respectively. On this occasion, Iliana presents pieces of unfired clay, highlighting the ephemeral and fragile nature of her constructions; in contrast, Ramón uses more durable materials.
LEARN MOREAn invitation to explore the stories and legends of different cultures, reinterpret them and turn them into a new element. This collaborative project was born from the imagination of one of the current artists in residence at Expressions, Ramon Ostolaza. Expressiones has invited various artists, with diverse artistic practices to intervene these objects created by Ramon. Each artist received a small-sized object that Ramon called Mostroks. The artist tells us that the Mostroks appeared with the intention of bringing the traditions of different cultures to a public that is increasingly moving away from the stories and traditions that have shaped humanity. Through collective work, we recreate a new and updated vision. With this project I transmit some of these stories to the other participants and, at the same time, we collectively invite them to reflect on what can be behind a character. The Art toy format makes it more every day and takes it out of the rigidity of a formal environment such as a textbook or a museum. The intervened pieces will be exhibited at Expressions on a date yet to be announced in which the artists will be able to tell us about their experiences during the process.
During his residency, Ramón is researching and creating a project that involves science and art, his two passions. The MicroMacro project is an experimental ecosystem in the creation and constant evolution in nature. The creatures that inhabit it play different roles, such as the Walkers that concentrate energy and modify their environment; the creatures in constant change and adaptation to the environment and the situation, or the Isos that recycle waste and return it to the cycle. In MicroMacro, the artist expresses artistically how size and time constantly change and cease to be a frame of reference. The interaction between Collectors, Transformers, and Recyclers becomes the framework on which the evolution of this ecosystem is measured. It is an ecosystem in permanent transformation, new beings are appearing and sometimes disappearing with each interaction. Durente su residencia, Ramón esta investigrando y creando un proyecto que envuelve ciencia y arte, sus dos pasiones. El proyecto MicroMacro es un ecosistema experimental en creación y evolución constante en la naturaleza. Las criaturas que lo habitan cumplen diversos roles, como los Caminantes que concentran la energía y modifican su entorno; los tardis en constante cambio y adaptación al medio y la situación o los Isos que reciclan los residuos y los retornan al ciclo. En MicroMacro, el artista expresa como artisticamente como el tamaño y el tiempo cambian constantemente y dejan de ser un marco de referencia. La interacción entre Colectores, Transformadores y Recicladores viene a ser el marco sobre el cual se mide la evolución de este ecosistema. Es un ecosistema permanente transformación, nuevos seres van apareciendo y en ocasiones desapareciendo con cada interacción.
Peruvian visual artist Iliana Scheggia will be developing a series of free workshops for all ages every Saturday this February 2022. The workshops are based on her own artistic practice exploring geometric patterns. La artista visual peruana Iliana Scheggia estará desarrollando una serie de talleres gratuitos y para todas las edades cada sábado este febrero 2022. Los talleres están basado en su propia práctica artística explorando patrones geométricos.
Artists in residence Ramon Ostolaza and Iliana Scheggia conducted an Origami workshop for families last Saturday, February 19, 2022. These, as part of Expressions giving back to the community Artist in Residence program. This workshop was just one of the many activities that this couple of talented Peruvian practicing artists are doing during their stay in New London, CT. The various forms and shapes a piece of paper can take with multiple folds fascinated young and not so young alike in a memorable morning
https://vimeo.com/680017428Ramon Ostolaza is one of our current AIR. He and his partner Iliana will be with us for the current Summer period. Ramon skillfully recreates mythological creatures inspired by the Chimu Pre-Colombian culture. His art objects capture the essence and intricate details of these ancient mythical beings. Through careful craftsmanship and attention to cultural authenticity, Ostolaza brings to life the rich folklore and symbolism of the Chimu civilization mixed with his own interpretation of reality creating fantastic icons. Each piece is a testament to his dedication and talent, offering viewers a glimpse into the fascinating world of his imagination and creativity. * Chan Chan in Peru is approximately 600 years old, making it one of the largest adobe cities in the world and a significant archaeological site representing the ancient Chimu civilization. Its importance lies in preserving the architectural and cultural heritage of the pre-Columbian era, offering valuable insights into the past civilization's urban planning, artistic expressions, and societal structures.
https://vimeo.com/843560001?share=copyIliana Scheggia a talented artist from Peru. In her latest solo exhibition at Expressiones, Scheggia takes us on a visual journey as she explores and maps the vibrant cityscape of New London. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of her art practice, unveiling the unique perspectives and interpretations that make her work truly remarkable. Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Iliana Scheggia's artistic vision and discover the magic she creates through her masterful exploration of New London.
My work is born from my concern for the intervention of man in our planet and the abrupt changes that happen as a result of the intervention of man in nature; Nature plays a very important role in our own existence and survival as a species, and it is this constant tension of human-nature interaction that I represent in each of my works, appreciating life from a contemplative space, but also critical and different. There exists in me an enormous concern to take care of nature, and that is why as part of my artistic and philosophical practice of life I allow myself to dialogue with it and play with the different forms of the landscape, reinterpreting the trees I see, expressing this dialogue in stains, textures, recreating temperatures, reflections in the water etc. This is obvious in the backgrounds of the landscapes I paint .... there, each element is synthesized to become lines of colors, in some cases the lines are abrupt and endless. This is how the lines emerge, giving rise to the impasto, and a multiplicity of brushstrokes in different directions that blend with singular and dynamic force. I believe in art as an essential part in the creation of the identity of peoples. I am also convinced that through art we can contribute to the awakening of social awareness and sensitivity to the environment; and it is painting, as well as various materials that I use as the medium to express my feelings and philosophy of life using for this purpose my own visual language. Marcio Arteaga
Expressiones AIR from HONDURAS CONTRASTES Art Opening Reception Saturday, April 15 @ 6:00PM. Honduran Artist Shines Light on Nature Degradation and Wildfires in New Exhibition Marcio Arteaga Expressiones Artist in Residence from Honduras, is set to debut his latest exhibition, "Contrastes/Contrasts," on April 15, 2023, at Expressiones Cultural Center at 6:00 PM. The exhibition features a stunning collection of landscape paintings that showcase the effects of climate change, wildfires, and environmental degradation in Honduras' natural landscapes. As a native of Honduras, Marcio has witnessed the devastating impact of climate change and wildfires firsthand. His paintings are a reflection of his passion for nature and his concern for the environment. Using a combination of vivid colors and striking imagery, [Artist Name] highlights the fragility of the natural world and urges viewers to take action. "The body of works showcased in this exhibition are not just beautiful works of art; they represent a call to action," says Guido Garaycochea, Expressiones co founder and curator, "We are thrilled to showcase the work of such a talented artist who is using his art to raise awareness about important environmental issues." "Contrastes" is a must-see exhibition for anyone who cares about the environment and wants to learn more about the impact of climate change on Honduras. The exhibition runs from April 15 through May 15, 2023, and is open to the public later by appointment. For more information about the exhibition, please contact Jose Garaycochea at director@expressiones.org
Our Artist in Residence for Fall 2022 is Federico Rosas from Honduras. An artist who has lived and studied in several countries and now turns his experiences and experiences in our fall residency. Federico Rosa Suazo Website: www.federicorosas.com Instagram: @elfederosa About Federico's work: Federico Rosa (Honduras) is an artist who mainly works with contemporary strategies. Rosa tries to approach a wide scale of subjects in a multi-layered way, likes to involve the viewer in a way that is sometimes physical and believes in the idea of function following form in a work. His conceptual artworks are an investigation of concepts such as authenticity and objectivity, his works directly respond to the surrounding environment and uses everyday experiences from the artist as a starting point. Often these are framed instances that would go unnoticed in their original context. With a conceptual approach, he reflects on the closely related subjects of archive and memory. This often results in an examination of both the human need for ‘conclusive’ stories and the question whether anecdotes ‘fictionalise’ history. Guido Garaycochea Expressiones Co-founder, Artist, Curator.
Federico Rosa's webExpressiones Cultural Center is very proud to launch Sisyphus, an exhibition made during his stay in New London as part of his artist-in-residence experience. The title of this exhibition – is a reference to the Greek myth of Sisyphus – the tale of a king who, for cheating death, enraged the gods so much that Hades punished him by condemning Sisyphus to push a boulder up a mountain only for it to roll back down again, for all eternity. “Sisyphean” has invaded our language as an idiom for a difficult, yet pointless task. Albert Camus, the French existentialist, used the myth as a metaphor for our human predicament: if our existence is meaningless, thus futile, how do we make sense of it? This is our choice, according to Camus, and not our dilemma; at the end of his essay “The Myth of Sisyphus”, he states that we must imagine Sisyphus happy.
"When I arrived at New London and Expressiones, I had a very clear objective. I wanted to make a body of work that was consistent and articulate, so that I could feel like I had brought my craft into a clear and coherent state, which would also the culmination of ideas I had been working with for the past 4 or 5 years. I wanted to be able to say at the end of this period: “this is my craft.” “This is what I make.” All the pieces in the show I feel have real purpose and direction, and I hope the audience can see that. What really helped me stay focused and reach this other level, was the constant dialogue with the craft. Having the studio in my living space made the time between work and rest time very blurry. This constant confrontation with work felt like I was trying to solve puzzles all the time. It was very intense, physically, and mentally, but it was also very beautiful. I am very proud to show this work in New London, which my first solo show in the US. My name is Federico Rosa and my opening is Friday the 18th of November at Expressiones Cultural center." Federico Rosa, Novembre 2022.
The art-loving community gathered at Expressiones this past Friday to celebrate the opening of the exhibition 'Sisyphus" by Honduran artist-in-residence Federico Rosa. The exhibit features a group of works created over the past 3 months in New London and during his stay here. Many of these works reflect the artist's search and how these months have influenced a process of introspection reflected in the experimentation of different techniques. Many thanks to our friends and partners at Spark Makerspace in New London for giving space and knowledge to our artists.
Life experiences and growing up in Chile during the regime of Augusto Pinochet crafted my sardonic attitude and a compulsion to create and sew. The events of 9/11 in New York city increased my propensity. How absurd that the military coup in Chile took place on September 11, 1973. My art depicts a sharp point of view with a stark sense of humor that is a mixture of imagery from the ecclesial to pop-culture, along with references from art history, and memories from my youth and life events, combining a curious exchange of the profane, the pagan and the secular. I am a perpetual maker of art and collector of materials and textiles. I adopted the art of quilt making when I studied in Maine. I resonate with Dadaism, creating textile collages, embroideries, drawings and paintings. Like Klimt I believe there is an unspoken thought that beauty is perhaps an answer or at least a consolation to life’s absurdities.
Expressiones has a new artist in residence for this spring 2022. Carlos is an artist who works quilting as his primary medium. He gathers traditions from his ancestors to talk about a wide variety of subjects. His work contains questions as well as reflections on profound issues that mark our contemporary culture.
Carlos Bautista Biernnay: , 2011 Textile collage 40 x 50"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y89jD6SkAkQCarlos Biernnay, Expressions' artist-in-residence for the Spring-Summer 2022 period talks to us about his creative process. Carlos will open his temporary Art Studio at Expressiones this coming Saturday, May 28th in anticipation of his exhibition to be announced at the end of his stay.
I believe in the cathartic power of storytelling and art making which provides an opportunity to share perspectives with people of diverse backgrounds. A theme in my art is absurdity, caused by a constant awareness of the socio-political conditions and attitudes of humankind. This project is a response to the fragmentation and polarization we are experiencing because of the double Pandemic of socio-political tensions and the current health crisis. Projecto del Pez encourages participants to be rigorously aware, always observing, searching for beauty, kindness, the struggles of good and band, justice, bias, joy, pain and realizing gratitude and realization of the fragility of our environment, our blessings, relationships and that we are stewards of our planet, our community and ourselves. Carlos Biernnay
About this exhibition: El Proyecto del Pez puts many techniques together masterfully united by Carlos' imagination giving life to characters. This installation is composed of more than one hundred and fifty quilt pieces, joined, colored, designed to provide the viewer with a unique experience. Guido Garaycochea-curator. “I believe in the cathartic power of storytelling and art making which provides an opportunity to share perspectives with people of diverse backgrounds. A theme in my art is absurdity, caused by a constant awareness of the socio-political conditions and attitudes of humankind. This project is a response to the fragmentation and polarization we are experiencing because of the double Pandemic of socio-political tensions and the current health crisis. Proyecto del Pez encourages participants to be rigorously aware, always observing, searching for beauty, kindness, the struggles of good and band, justice, bias, joy, pain and realizing gratitude and realization of the fragility of our environment, our blessings, relationships and that we are stewards of our planet, our community and ourselves”. Carlos Biernnay The exhibition will be open to the public by appointment until July 30. Guided tours by the artist can be arranged in advance. email: dirctor@expressiones.org
