Exhibitions

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. “The sea, with its vast and profound blue, unanimously heralds the work of Luis Alberto Saldaña Soto. It is in this immensity that the artist finds his refuge and support. Saldaña undertakes a lucid process through which he unveils a cosmos filled with heterogeneous images, where the influences of surrealism and realism occasionally surface, though he invariably turns to painting as his main medium of expression. A graduate in Painting in 2006 from the Eduardo Abela Provincial Academy of Arts of Havana Province, Saldaña has been honored with multiple awards in provincial salons, and his art has adorned numerous national and international exhibitions.”

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.

Expressiones Cultural Center is proud to showcase the culmination of artistic exploration through its after-school art program in a harmonious blend of inspiration and education. This innovative initiative has been an enchanting collaboration between the Expressiones and The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of New London, bringing the colorful world of art to the heart of the community. The latest installment of this creative odyssey focused on the reinterpretation of the renowned artist Roger Beers, whose retrospective exhibition currently graces the walls of Expressiones Cultural Center. The young participants, eager minds from New London, embarked on a journey of artistic discovery as they delved into the life and emotions woven into Beers' masterpieces. This isn't just an art program; it's a celebration of imagination, a symphony of colors and forms that have come alive under the guidance of dedicated instructors. The children, after immersing themselves in the exhibition, were given the liberty to select a piece and breathe life into their own interpretation. Children participating in the program attend New London schools: Jennings, Isaac, Nathan Hale, Winthrop, MMRS. Esmeralda Ayala, Camila Agosto, Yamila Agosto, Jahki Barns, Aleshliany Candelario, Alexiany Candelario, Alexis Candelario, Edward Chica, Nelly Chica, Dariel Coronado, Joaquin Bueno, Noah Gonzalez, Mia Lituma, Sofia Lituma, Aniyah Lora, Wilmer Martinez, Damian Ocampo, Fatima Ortiz, Wander Ortiz, Jairam Peralta, Jeirem Peralta, Jesuam Peralta, Genesis Ramos, Edwin Ramos, Berthaliz Rivera, Adriana Rosario, Kendra Santiago, Kenneth Santiago, Keyshlian Santiago, Krystal Torres, Nicole Valverde, Rey Rivera, Ambar Mejias, Emireth Fiat, Luis Fiat, Britany Insuasti, Klever Robles, Leilani Rolon, Angelo Rodriguez, Michael Rodriguez, Tizziana Izaguirre, Isaac Cortorreal, Kareem Herrera, Alissah Vargas.

Expressiones Cultural Center is thrilled to announce an upcoming exhibition that pays tribute to the late Roger Beers, a cherished friend and dedicated supporter of our organization in countless ways. This multifaceted event is dedicated to celebrating his extraordinary contributions to environmental law and his profound passion for painting. The exhibition not only commemorates Roger's life and artistic journey but also stands as a testament to the enduring bond between Roger and Expressiones. About Roger Beers Roger Beers, a native of Waco, Texas, was not only a brilliant environmental litigator for three decades in the San Francisco Bay Area but also a prolific artist. He moved to New London, CT, in 2006 to pursue his true passion – painting and drawing. Roger's background in philosophy from Baylor University and his magna cum laude graduate degree from Harvard Law School set the foundation for his groundbreaking work as an attorney. He took on landmark cases on behalf of environmental groups, leaving a lasting impact on environmental law. Roger received numerous awards for his commitment, including the Sierra Club's William O. Douglas Award. Yet, Roger's true calling was art. His work, spanning various mediums, predominantly depicted people and their unique personalities. He aimed to capture the spirit rather than mere resemblance, often infusing everyday activities with profound meaning in his paintings. Exposing Young Minds to Art and Inspiration. In an effort to inspire the next generation of creative thinkers, Expressiones Cultural Center is thrilled to announce that the upcoming exhibition, "Roger Beers: A Journey in Art," will be open to children aged 8 to 14. We believe in the transformative power of art to ignite curiosity and foster critical thinking in young minds. By welcoming children to explore Roger Beers' captivating artwork, learn about the artist's unique sources of inspiration, and delve into the books that influenced his creative process, we aim to provide a meaningful and enriching experience for our young visitors. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to nurturing creativity and imagination in the youth, and we hope that this exhibition will leave a lasting impression on their artistic journey. Exhibition Details The exhibition will feature a selection of Roger Beers' exceptional artworks, showcasing his journey as an artist. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore his paintings, which skillfully blend representation and abstraction, reflecting his deep understanding of the human spirit. Event Information Exhibition Title: "Roger Beers: A Journey in Art" Dates: September 22 – November 22 Location: Expressiones Cultural Center, 84 Bank Street – New London – CT 06320 Opening Reception: September 22, 2023 at 6 pm Expressiones Cultural Center invites art enthusiasts, environmental advocates, and the community at large to join us in commemorating the life and artistic legacy of Roger Beers. For more information, please visit Expressiones Cultural Center's website or contact Jose Garaycochea at director@expressiones.org.

“Walkabout - New London” An Exhibit by Iliana Scheggia AIR from Perú Opening Reception Friday, July 28th. 6:00 PM. “Places become a kind of machine through which new states of consciousness are acquired.” Franco La Cecla With a profound focus on the architecture of space and her intimate relationship with the urban landscape, Scheggia's body of work on clay, breathes life into abstract questions that linger at the core of our existence. Drawing inspiration from the fluidity of geometry, each work serves as a portal to contemplation, where the viewer is invited to embark on a journey of self-discovery and heightened consciousness. Join us in this transcendent encounter, where each piece unveils the profound transformation of New London’s identity, wrapped in the eloquence of geometry and the artistic finesse of Iliana’s work. “Traveling and exploring cities to get in contact with their people and their surroundings opens me into a new state of consciousness. This movement challenges me to face diverse worlds and, into this cultural exchange, my perception and construction of the world is transformed. I’ve been doing Artist in Residence programs since 2012 and found this is a perfect way to get in contact with other communities. Sometimes, if you are lucky, become part of them and return more than once. These experiences enrich my way of thinking and break down barriers making my universe bigger. Walkabout is a project where I explore the cartography of the chosen places and transform these patterns into ceramic pieces which, due to their primitive appearance, are reminiscent of rock carvings or petroglyphs as ancient peoples did in their need to configure space and find themselves in it. In addition, I also find some detail that identifies the city; in New London it was the sound. My work revolves around the construction of space and how we relate to it. I've always been attracted to the nature of Universe, how it is configured and what is my function within it; where you are from; what is beyond the visible. I use geometry as a way to abstract these questions.” Iliana Scheggia

Art Opening and Ar-st Talk HOT tribute Old tales/New meanings Ar-st: Ramón Ostolaza from Perú Date: Friday, July 7th. “HOT TRIBUTE” an exhibit highligh-ng one of our current AIR (Ar-st in Residency) from Perú, Ramón Ostolaza and his last body of work. Ramón invites us to embark on a nostalgic journey with his latest series of prints -tled Hot TRIBUTE. Transpor-ng us back half a century to the vibrant streets of Lima-Perú, his artworks evoke memories of a bygone era when brightly colored posters and pop art adorned the walls of his childhood home. In those days, the collec-ve known as HOT leX an indelible mark on the ar-s-c landscape, with Emilio Hernandez, Victor Ostolaza (Ramón's father), and José Tang working diligently on the rooXop of Ramón's home in Lima. The remnants of their crea-ve endeavors remained in the ar-st's family for years, ac-ng as his ini-al introduc-on to the cap-va-ng world of art.

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, Marcio 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

Art Opening and Artist Talk November 18th, 6-8 PM. Sisyphus A selection of new works Expressiones Artists in Residence Federico Rosa, AIR from Honduras Expressiones 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. . About the exhibit These new works reveal a thorough understanding achieved through processes of experimentation of the materials at hand, consisting of multiple superimposed layers, where the effect of a gradual, haphazard palimpsest starts to become a much more considered, intentional layering and removing of paint, cutting, and placing in a rigorous fashion, with obvious nods to minimalism, neo expressionism, and of course, dada and surrealism. The availability of all these languages places the artist within a cacophony of sources, with which he engages in a thorough dialogue with the practices that have come before him, including the works of artists who have switched multiple languages simultaneously. About the artist Federico got his Bachelor of Arts at The City and Guilds of London Art School, and his Master of Arts (Fine Art: Sculpture) at The Slade School of Fine Art, University College of London. He is a multifaceted artist with a wide range of solo and group exhibitions in Germany, Belgium, Austria, the United States and his native Honduras. He has also held diplomatic posts representing his country abroad and has been a columnist for several publications.

Expressions is excited to launch Chilean artist Carlos Biernnay's first solo show in New London. The exhibition entitled El Proyecto del Pez / the fish project is an accumulation of works made as part of his experience as an artist in residence at Expressions as well as long accumulated works now brought together in an installation that is a self-biographical reflection of the artist. A work in progress that has no determined end yet, it will continue to live and grow even after this exhibition. 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

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 artists recreated a new and updated vision. 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. Participant Artists: Yolanda Vasquez Petrocelli, Lucrecia Novoa, Yujuan Zhai Patnode (Juner), Xanda McCagg, Mattias Lundblad, Iliana Scheggia, R. Douglass Rice, Kim Abraham, Ramon Ostolaza,

A Form that Resembles Join us this Friday, February 7th @ 6:00 PM Maria Colombo Art Opening Reception for her Solo Show at Expressiones: "A Form that Resembles." Maria is a conceptual artist whose sculptures, and installations challenge the division between the realm of memory and the realm of experience. Her work absorbs the tradition of the art of memory and is embedded into her daily practice. This personal follow-up and the rebirth of a past tradition are important as an act of meditation that is the core of her work. Guido Garaycochea Expressiones

Expressiones is very proud to invite you to an art opening by the current artist in residence from Honduras, Andres Mejia. He is the first artist to come to US as part of a partnership between Expressiones and Instituto Hondureño de Cultura Interamericana. (IHCI). Join us on Friday, May 31 from 6 to 8 pm.

“AD ASTRA” by Juan Carlos Fernandez Artist in residence from Tegucigalpa - Honduras November 30 - February 16