By Tania Noriz
As part of the celebration for the International Women’s Day, Casa Europa presents «Visionaries,» its next art exhibit from March 3 to April 2. “Visionaries” is a group of outstanding women integrated by Ana Thiel, Debra Thompson, Glen Rogers, Kate Hunt, Martha E. López, and Wendy Moyer who through their art expose and reflect their points of view on changes, light, loss, bodily experience, symbology, and the power of women.
“In ‘What Remains,’ I explore the idea of sharing objects, documents, wearable items, and memories that someone close can leave behind when she or he passes on. To shred papers, letters, and records resulted in colorful and interesting squiggles. To burn photographs and archives left a wake of ashes in subtle tones. Certain clothes acquired presence simply by having been used and enjoyed by that person. The idea expands to consider that in nature as well as our human environment fragments and forms are left behind. They performed their function and now leave traces: shells, leaves, wires, clock parts, broken glass, and more. These may now form part of a new harmony ” explains Thiel.
Thompson presents “Attachments” a series in cold wax that lends itself to the incorporation of different materials: “It is based on the narrative of changes from soft to hard, from soft to rough, from straight to darkened lines. The materials or objects immerse you in the colors used in silence to discover the details of the wax,” she comments.
From Rogers we can enjoy “Her Story” (of women) a revisionist story related to matriarchal cultures and the three phases of a woman: young, mother, and old, “All painted with a defined feminist agenda,” she adds.
Hunt, who has recently moved to San Miguel permanently, shows in her work a personal conversation with the concept, materials, and the world around her. At the end, when her pieces are exhibited, she detaches herself from them so that her conversation becomes the viewer’s own. She stated, “I use newspapers as a construction material for my sculptures; people have a connection to them… Plus, I love the connotations of the American flag made out of newspapers.”
López, another «visionary,» is the creator of her own ceramic workshop «La Cruz» and participates with a sample that she has taken to different parts of Mexico and the world— being recognized with second place in the State Prize for Artisanal Creativity, Dolores Hidalgo, Gto., in 2000; and with third place in the category unique piece in the Utilitarian Ceramics Biennial, by the Franz Mayer Museum, Mexico City, in 2003.
Lastly, Moyer represents in her work her place of encounter and conflict with breast cancer from the bodily experience and gender stereotypes questioning beauty, sensuality, and femininity through pain, mutilation, and the reconfiguration of identity. Her works in this series represent both the raptured friends and her own story of survival.
The inauguration takes place on Friday, March 3, from 5-7pm. Do not miss the opportunity to admire these extraordinary works of art and chat with the “Visionaries.” The exhibit will continue at Casa Europa until April 2, Monday through Friday from 10am to 5pm.
Art Exhibit
“Visionaries Collective Exhibit: Ana Thiel, Debra Thompson, Glen Rogers, Kate Hunt, Martha E. López, and Wendy Moyer”
Opening: Fri., Mar. 3, 5-7pm
Mon. to Fri. 10am-5pm, exhibit continues to Apr. 2
Casa Europa
San Francisco 23
Free admission
