#arquetopia

[arquetopia]

We are thrilled that Dr. Claudia Brosseder has recently joined us as a new member of the Advisory Board of Arquetopia. Dr. Brosseder is Associate professor of colonial Latin American history at the University of Illinois. Brosseder’s research focuses on the indigenous world of colonial Peru, as well as on the intellectual history of colonial Peru in a transatlantic setting. She is particularly interested in reconstructing the colonial Andean world from the vantage point of the Andean people. Over the course of her studies Brosseder has gained expertise in two distinct areas of scholarship: the intellectual history of early modern Europe and the history of the colonial Andes. Her book The Power of Huacas. Change and Resistance in the Andean World of colonial Peru (Austin: University of Texas Press, 2014), which won the 2015 Award for Excellence in the Study of Religion in the category of Historical Studies by the American Academy of Religion, has been fundamental to Arquetopia Peru. #arquetopia #collaboration #collaborative #art #artistresidency #puebla #mexico #peru #italy #cusco #oaxaca #artspace #artista #artmatters #transformation #experience #context #сотрудничество #Zusammenarbeit #تعاون #合作 #협동 #kolaborasi #collaborazione #コラボレーション #همکاری #współpraca #colaboração https://www.instagram.com/p/CMFEX-WlPOx/?igshid=1q3b2olj9omoz

[arquetopiaartistresidency]

Artwork by @curlymeg88 in Taller Erasto Cortes #arquetopia #artistinresidence #artistresidency #artist #artwork #artista #workshop #lithoparty #mexico #puebla

[mollygeorge]

More colors! #arquetopia #naturaldye #peru (at Urubamba, Peru) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvUtcqZlaJ-/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=mticgo7rej1m

[anniesarthistoryblog]

A Review of three works from the ‘Shape and Form’ Exhibition at @heartofthetribe Gallery, Glastonbury

As our final assignment for our Art History module for @strodefad​ we were required to write an essay discussing eithere an art history movement or a recent exhibition visited. Always up for a challenge i chose to write about the brief opportunity I got to see an art gallery between lockdowns in the new gallery that i am fortunate to have just a few minutes walk from my home here in Glastonbury.

What made it a really special experience was that i managed to contact two of the three artist I chose to include in the essay and they very generously answered my questions about their exhibit pieces to give me some context and process insights as first-hand accounts and it was wonderful to be able to ask the creators quesitons about their work and how they made it. The exhibition had high quality contributions from over 30 Somerset artists, so it was hard to select just 3 works, but  I managed and got the essay completed in time.

This is an analysis of three selected works from the ‘Shape and Form’ exhibition at the Heart of the Tribe Gallery in Glastonbury. The gallery only opened in September 2020 and despite the restrictions caused by the COVID pandemic, this was the third exhibition that the gallery has managed to stage since then.

Following a core artist group launch exhibition ‘Diversity’, and solo exhibition ‘Beauty and Truth’ by John Minshull, this exhibition was a collation of works submitted by 30 Somerset artists following an open call for contributions from the gallery core artists and online directory members.

Curated by gallery manager Kim von Coels (aka artist ‘The Krumble Empire’), the aim of the exhibition was ‘to explore the fundamental building blocks of visual art, both geometric and organic’. The exhibition was open from 3rd December -26th January and I managed to see it twice before lockdown restrictions came into force. A virtual tour (1) is also available here

1. Millie Gleeson: ‘All We’ll Know’

The Painting was displayed in a prominent position on the last wall as you exit the exhibition, directly opposite a canvas featuring an abstract female form in greyscale graphite, and the scale of this canvas (60 x 48 inches) made it really stand out.

I saw Millie’s solo show also entitled ‘All We’ll Know’ at the Red Brick Building in June 2019. She uses reference photographs to help with composition and is heavily influenced by her time in Berlin and Mexico.

Many of her works feature masks painted on the (mostly nude) female subjects, so what I found fascinating about this piece was that the face was illuminated and prominent and she is swathed in billowing robes.

I contacted the artist for more information on the context and process of the painting.

She told me this is a self-portrait, painted from a 'still' of the artist performing in a music video her friends (the Hics) produced, also called "All We'll Know"( 2 )

Gleeson started began painting this in 2014, but it was put into storage until she revisited to complete it in 2019.

She commented ‘it was a huge time of transformation and the end of an era and perhaps I had to return to the painting when I felt I'd fully transformed.’

The Painting has lots of movement, which is representative of the video it is sourced from, the performers are in an industrial setting and are either submerged under water, or as captured in this image, rising up and breaking free. The robes are flowing and there is a sense of movement in the arms and legs. Her website (3) describes how the work was developed as part of a series developed during an Artist Residency at Arquetopia in Mexico.“The residency applied Levanasian ethics to the artistic process, teaching to respect the integrity of differences and question the desire for totalisation. Questioning whether you can truly know the other and if you only know the self, how can you respect the space between?” “Any creative project I have embarked on at the core has revolved around the topic of identity or identification. Following the residency lectures my project became entirely introspective, leading me on a journey of self-discovery. I began to look at my own shadow, distortions, fractions, mirror images, deep and dark aspects of myself. Using the vibrant colours that surrounded me I began to explore my own conflicts and duality through a series of self-portraits, in an exploration to “All we’ll know.”I really resonated with this piece as it reminded me of the Salvador Dali painting ' Christ of St John of the Cross’ I saw at the Glasgow Kelvingrove museum. Light comes from above and the arms are widely placed. The pale blue colour palette and rich drapery in the dress against the dark background is similar to that shown in ‘The Countess of Southampton’ ( 4) (Anthony Van Dyck 1599-1641), seen at the Cambridge Fitzwilliam museum.

Ruary is an Edinburgh-born artist who has lived and worked all over the world and is a gallery core artist working in an attic studio above.

He is inspired by nature and psychedelic culture (6) and another of his works ‘Sacred Chaos’ was chosen as the exhibition feature image.

I interviewed the artist to learn more about the context and process behind these works. Ruary explained that “Trap Dance was a process-oriented piece, created as an experiment using masking tape to create random abstract geometric forms”.

The piece depicts two females and a male dancing, with Cubist and Italian futurists-influenced segmentation and distortion of the figures. The artist noted that the title ‘Trap Dance’ is a pun, as the two female figures appear to be being pressed together by the male dancer (Allen quipped it should have been called ‘Tape Dance’). The experimental process with repeated randomly placed masking tape and paint until the forms emerged, resulted in an abstract image.

The artist saw the forms of the dancers appearing and added them at late stages of development. It is more narrative in comparison with the cover piece ‘Sacred Chaos’; which was another process oriented, straight-edged construction using platonic forms, mathematical constructions, intersecting circles and combining them to make a striking abstract image. The artist has a lifelong interest in Alchemy in art and alchemical symbolism, and this is evident in the works presented here (7).

The colour palette is cooler at top and has more vibrant and darker tones at bottom, with a spotlight in the top left corner, which the artist suggests is reminiscent of a stage or nightclub scene. There is lots of movement as the figures are interweaved amongst the abstract shapes.  

This painting is hung in a long narrow corridoor directly opposite the toilets (another ‘trap’ reference?) and adjacent to the exit door to the garden space. The works surrounding the piece are smaller in scale and have less visual impact, and I think that having to stand so close to it makes it more of an experience as the viewer is drawn into the movement and abstract forms on the canvas. There is no opportunity to stand back and see the work in a wider context so one is trapped like the dancers in the image.

3. ‘Lost Toys’ by Julie Ackerman .

This is an installation assemblage sculpture piece selected from a collection of 10 museum themed boxes. (8). The work is inspired by the ‘cabinets of curiosities’ or ‘Wunderkammer’ (as described by Anastasiya Gutnic from the Metropolitan museum of art here with an example from the German artist Nicolaus I Kolb) (9).

The cabinet is displayed with a second piece called and ‘Science Lab’ and both are relatively small in scale requiring the viewer to lean in close to see the details.

Key elements of a Wunderkammer are:

·       Naturalia (natural, found objects),

·       Artificialia/Artifacta (mand-made, abstract objects), and

·       Scientifica (scientific instruments and technological items)

The cabinet contents are carefully considered to reflect the message that the artist is trying to express, and fits the categories described above.

I chose this piece as the lockdown period has made many of us question what is important to us and question our consumerism and its’ environmental impact.Using upcycled packaging and materials has been a theme of my own creative practice this year.

The artist states on her biography (8)

“I was compelled to take on the challenge of using unwanted objects and materials as an art medium. Raising awareness of a world in crisis through art is paramount in my work. By transforming waste into beautiful works of art, I hope to inspire and encourage the 'Art of Recycling' turning a negative situation into a positive one.”

The artist goes on to state “The impact of overpopulation means greater demand on natural resources and an escalating waste problem. We need nature to thrive by reducing our demand for new materials, leaving nature intact.”

In the ‘Lost Toys’ cabinet a collection of sticks and a pine-cone (Naturalia) are surrounded by a plastic ‘monster’ (Artificialia) and assorted toy animals. A green butterfly rests on a branch with a wooden ’tribal style’ peg and a ‘protective’ dragon flying overhead and a lurking toy hairbrush in the background.

The second cabinet has scientific paraphernalia (Scientifica) and a skull with glasses, references to the impact of sanitary waste and plastic pollution on marine life. There are also humorous touches, like the small creature and drawing pin on top of the skull.

This fits with the exhibition theme as it invites the viewer to examine how the items relate to each other and to our own experiences. Viewers will respond to the individual elements and interpret their relationships differently.

The placing of the cabinets in a transition space between two rooms containing large paintings is also an interesting variation in form and requires a different type of interaction by the viewer.

Summary

The aim of the exhibition was to explore the fundamental building blocks of visual art, both geometric and organic, and the curator has selected a broad range of 2D, and 3D exhibits to really allow this theme to be represented. I found it quite difficult to select only three works for this essay as there was such a high quality to choose from.

These three selected artists have interpreted the theme in quite different ways, but one gets a sense of shape and form from all of their works shown.

References  

1.       Shape and Form Exhibition Virtual tour: https://www.infohost360.com/heart12/

2.       Millie Gleeson – The Hics reference video "All We'll Know" https://youtu.be/RB2MweTwfQY.

3.       Millie Gleeson website: https://milliegleeson.co.uk/all-well-know

4.       Van Dyck Image reference found in Fitzwilliam Museum Cambridge guide, p37. 2016 ISBN: 978-0-9574434-9-5

5.       Image sourced from https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/rachel-de-ruvigny-countess-of-southampton-as-fortune-5613

6.       Ruary Allen Artist Bio:  https://heartofthetribe.com/portfolio_page/ruary-allan/

7.       Ruary Allen Artist website:  https://artalchemist.com/

8.       Julie Ackerman Artist Bio: https://heartofthetribe.com/artist-directory-view-by-artist/user/77/

9.       Cabinet of Curiosities reference video: https://youtu.be/j6q10euArks Nicolaus I Kolb (German, 1582–1621). Apothecary Cart, 1617–18. Veneer: ebonized pearwood (Pyrus communis), ebony, partially gilded silver; carcass: conifer; interior: protective quilted cushion covered in red silk, drawers and chest lined with red silk velvet; gold, trimming; mounts and fittings: brass, partially gilded; thirty-two (32) vessels and utensils: glass, partially gilded silver, low carbon steel, leather, 11 x 11 x 9 1/16 in. (28 x 28 x 23 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Purchase, Anna-Maria, and Stephen Kellen Acquisitions Fund, 2019 (2019.229.1a–c–.32a, b)

10.  Cabinet of Curiosities reference description: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabinet_of_curiosities

11.   Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker, "How to do visual (formal) analysis," in Smarthistory, September 18, 2017, accessed January 28, 2021, https://smarthistory.org/visual-analysis/.

[jeanrim]

A detail of a bigger piece I am slowly whittling away at as 2019 comes to a close I feel so grateful to @projectmaven1 for putting together a great show @theyard in South Williamsburg earlier this year and @christinaheekyung for trekking all the out for such an inspirational visit plus 2019 I met, shown, with love from these great artists: @orlandonofly @rhiahurt @annesta_le @leezameksin @katiehector @tomomoriart @katiemerz @katrin_aason @paolamaldonado95 @maxgarett @dapperlou @jspyrou @christingaling @vvinslovvsmith @malenebatelier @alexandra___smith @alexander.j.romero @basia_gosz @bdougdavis @chicassostudio and honored to be part of @arquetopia in Peru, @trestlegallery for always including me in their benefit and so grateful for all of you who came to the open studio and everyone who follow me through all the social media mazes (almost done🤩) and the support of all who bought and have pieces of me, my work in your homes, also my incredible family @royrobrim @janeinbrooklyn @jiinyangviolin @jiyoon_yang_ @taliesinthomas @gmtinvt THANK YOU HAPPY HOLIDAYS and let’s rock out 2020!!! (Totally there’s so many more of you~ always in my heart ❤️) #thankful #praise #holidaygrace #thankyou #jeanrimart #jeanrimstudio2019 https://www.instagram.com/p/B6dKwMnlTZp/?igshid=17z5rk5j4gy6v

[juanmanuelildefonso]

A hidden gem I was introduced to during my stay at Arquetopia last summer. Virgen de la Macana, at Parroquia de San Francisco de Asís. #puebla #mexico #arquetopia #1680 #newmexico #rebelion #parroquia #zocalo

[coupermatthew]

#opening #tonight in #Puebla #Mexico “#Disruptions: La Integridad de las #Diferencias” ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️Lola Alvarez Bravo, Joseph Beuys, Matthew Couper, Fernando De Ita, Mark De Fraeye, Brent Erickson, Felix González-Torres, Sarah Grothus, Nicolás Marín Mrpoper, Cristóbal Sarro, and Raymundo Sesma at #Decentered Gallery @arquetopia December 2017 to March 2018. #arquetopia #decenteredgallery #art #gallery #socialpractice #artistresidency #puebla #mexico (at Puebla City)

[arquetopia]

We are very excited to welcome attorney Juan Manuel Chi Carrera as a new member of the Advisory Board of Arquetopia. Mr. Chi is an attorney at law with a specialty in the philosophy of law and political thought. The research focus of his Juris Doctorate is on native epistemologies as a fundamental source of law and justice. #boardofdirectors #amazingpeople #scholar #knowledgeispower #knowledge #creative #art #arquetopia #artistresidency #oaxaca #puebla #cusco #peruvian #peru #mexico #mexican #worthsharing #italy #attorney #lawyer #law #lawfirm #legal #lawyerlife #justice #attorneyatlaw #attorneys #attorneylife #litigation #instalawyer https://www.instagram.com/p/CL-iPBUFNoV/?igshid=12h08lbteq7z0

[arquetopia]

As we face the challenges of our new normality, we all have to adapt, keeping our selves and our communities safe. We stand behind the global efforts to ensure safe traveling, while continuing to host artists responsibly and working towards social change. The world keeps moving and changing, and artist residencies have the leading role to facilitate responsible cultural encounters. We are proud to introduce our mandatory SAFETY PROTOCOL for all of Arquetopia residency spaces: avoiding overcrowding, disinfectant stations, guest limitation, house keeping hygiene, water safety policy, health and safety protocols, increased communication, and focusing on our staff health. For more information visit our website www.arquetopia.org #Arquetopia #Yoursafespace #artistresidency #creatingspaces #beingsafesince2009 #safe #staysafe #safety #safetyfirst #healthy #stay #happy #health #life #clean #secure #security #WashYourHands #travelingsafe #travelsafe #safetyfirst #facemask #safetyequipment #protection #art #stayhealthy #photography #protect #besafe #together (Arquetopia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CCl6eKDFxT_/?igshid=90lob1n79anr

[arquetopia]

#arquetopia #artistresidency #artistinresidence #development #socialchange #socialtransformation #transformation #sustainability #puebla #mexico #art #contemporaryart #organicpaint #organicpainting #goldleaf #goldgilding #goldgilded #그림 #skildery #Gemälde #لوحة #चित्र #lukisan #ペインティング #pintura #картина #sanaa #ศิลปะ https://www.instagram.com/p/CAdXg5MFfZk/?igshid=ur3k9nwg385d

[arquetopia]

"An uncertain future" is what would closely describe the reality that artist residencies are facing after the events of the year 2020. We have all been forced to rethink our relationship to place and history, and to re-examine our sense of community. More than ever, borders have proven to be a fragile invention; however, the restrictions on mobility have been experienced by everyone. This is an opportunity to explore new collaborations across borders, reimagine our communities, and expand the possibilities of our interconnectivity. In the words of Audre Lorde, “Without community there is no liberation.” This summer Arquetopia Foundation and Synergy Artist Residency Network, in collaboration with multiple institutions around the globe, are hosting “The End of the Grand Tour? Virtual Symposium on Artist Residencies: Future, Place and State” This virtual symposium which will be simultaneously happening in 14 different countries, will focus on the invention of place, mobility, tourism, and their historical roots as open-ended questions at the intersection of artist residencies, putting into relevance concepts such as dignity, solidarity, reciprocity, community, sustainability and social justice. #arquetopia #virtualresidency #artistresidency #activism #buildingcommunity #stayhome #staysafe #stayhealthy #mypandemicsurvivalplan #quarantine #quarentinelife #art #resistance #generosity #socialchange #artmatters #artmaking #symposium #community #artistcommunity #artistsupport #socialgood #artistinresidence #giveback #givingback #changemakers #socialcapital #artcommunities #makearteveryday #workinprogress https://www.instagram.com/p/CAbHM6FldLS/?igshid=1pskgzoi8bxss

[arquetopia]

#arquetopia #artistresidency #stayhome #art #socialchange #socialdistancing #community #support #artistinresidence #academic #criticalperspective #artmaking #artmatters https://www.instagram.com/p/CAYL4UmlYjE/?igshid=1gr7iz6jei6hs

[arquetopia]

#criticalperspectives #theory #academic #arquetopia #artistresidency #artistinresidence #development #socialchange #socialtransformation #transformation #sustainability #puebla #oaxaca #cusco #peru #mexico #art #italy #sustainabledevelopment #artmaking #naples #opencallforartists https://www.instagram.com/p/CANaoxpFwA-/?igshid=1k2unpjwxtzyo

[arquetopia]

Welcome to Arquetopia 2020! #arquetopia #artistresidency #art #artistic #artist #cultural #socialchange #transformation #mexico #oaxaca #puebla #artspace #mezcal #mexicanfood #mexicanculture #mexicancuisine #tlayuda #相互フォロー #followforfollow #sougofollow #followme (San Pablo Etla) https://www.instagram.com/p/B713IeelqBO/?igshid=1sqkhlsw9rvns

[arquetopia]

Art is one of the greatest gifts, and when you admire the artist and the person, even more so. This view of Puebla and our studio will always be a reminder of your kindness and amazing talent, thank you @thomasmurray__ for the gift of your work and your friendship! #arquetopia #artistresidency #painting #oilpainting #artistinresidence #puebla #mexico #studiotime #cityview (Arquetopia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0Pkn4Wljg3/?igshid=1x9v1n2w9v0ze

[arquetopia]

Mentoring is one of the greatest gifts in this world. This year we launched Arquetopia International Mentorship Program, and this summer we had the privilege to work again with @caroline.ongpin setting the foundation for her long-term project. We ❤️ you Caroline! #arquetopia #artistresidency #artistinresidence #artisttowatch #printmaking #etching #intaglio #puebla #mexico #oaxaca #cusco #peru (Arquetopia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0PerT1F2cL/?igshid=dc7vl51ve1q9