June 23, 2011 | Download PDF
Spence Gallery Artist Jesus Mora wins 2011 Guggenheim Fellowship.
Solo exhibit: July 9 – 17, 2011
Spence Gallery is pleased to present an exhibit that celebrates the recent achievement of Jesus Mora who is a 2011 Guggenheim Fellow. In the 87th year of the annual competition, Mora was one of 108 US and Canadian scholars, artists and scientists chosen from almost 3,000 applicants. Mora was the only Canadian visual artist to be awarded the fellowship this year and one of only 20 visual artists.
In its press release of April 7, 2011, the Guggenheim Foundation describes his winning project “Jesus Mora, a visual artist, will create paintings, drawings, and an illustrated version of the Pop Wuj, based on his studies of that Mayan sacred book and his immersion in the iconography of the related codices and the Mayan calendar.” (See full Press Release here.)
In this solo exhibit Spence Gallery is showcasing new acrylic paintings by Mora that continue his organic creations that conjure up fantasy that resembles nature, dreams, imagination, mythology and history. Mora explains his work:
“I began my studies of Mayan and Aztec iconography many years ago, and my artwork strongly reflects these influences, both in terms of its subject and concerns and, to some degree, its outer form. For instance I depict elaborated figures that connect my work with my ancestors…. I think it is necessary to return to key philosophical source materials, as well as orally transmitted ancient teachings.”
Mora, whose works is sometimes described as abstract at other times surreal, received formal art training in Mexico and also at the Ontario College of Art and Design. Since migrating to Canada in 1997, he has had six solo exhibits and several group shows in Toronto, the US, Europe and Mexico. As a new Canadian artist Mora strives to merge his cultural background and Canadian experiences to create a new kind of art.
The solo exhibit runs to July 17. The artist will be present at the opening, on July 9, 6 – 9 p.m. For an interview with the Mora and further information contact Joan Spence, Director of Spence Gallery.
SPENCE GALLERY, located in Mirvish Village (Bathurst & Bloor), is a one of a kind gallery in Toronto. The gallery was founded to share culturally diverse artistic expressions. It provides a taste of contemporary art of Caribbean, Latin American and African artists and the Diaspora. It is dedicated to diversity and celebrates the cultural influences of the artists.
For further information & to set up interviews with the artist please contact: Joan Spence, Director – 416 795 2787