July 24, 2007 | Download PDF
Spence Gallery Exhibits at Harbourfront
Harbourfront Centre in collaboration with Toronto's Spence Gallery presents a uniquely spiritual Santeria inspired art exhibition at the Island Soul Festival. The Way of the Saints: African Symbolism in Cuban Art features more than 20 painting and mixed medium works by internationally regarded Cuban artists Elio Vilva Trujillo, Francisco Gordillo Arrendondo, Javier Gonzalez Gallosa and Lino Felix Vizcaino Sarria this free exhibition will be shown in the Marilyn Brewer Community Space from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on August 3, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on August 4 and 5, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on August 6. Artist info and links below.
For public information call 416-973-4000 or visit www.harbourfrontcentre.com. Harbourfront Centre is located 235 Queen's Quay West, Toronto.
Santería is a religion combining of traditional Yoruba beliefs with aspects of Roman Catholicism. Fused during the days of slavery in Cuba - it is practiced wherever its devotees migrate. Santería is comprised of a complex mythology, a pantheon of hundreds of deities (orishas) and a system of symbols, signs and ceremonies. This strikingly spiritual exhibition features four Cuban artists whose content and aesthetic of their art draws on the symbols, mythologies and practices of Santeria. Orishas symbols and attributes are visible in the artwork. Each artist's work employs a distinctive aesthetic in its presentation. The exhibit will also serve to demonstrate one example of how African spirituality has manifested itself and survived in contemporary Latin culture. Participating artists include:
Elio Vilva Trujillo lives and works in Trinidad, Cuba. He has done extensive research on African religious iconography in Cuba. His art explores the colourful imagery and rich symbolism of Santeria traditions. His paintings present some of the most significant Orishas. He works with mixed media on paper and acrylic on canvas and has been shown in Cuba, Italy, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Belgium and the U.S. (New York City, Los Angeles, Maine and Connecticut). Artist info and works displayed at: http://academic.bowdoin.edu/latinamerica/calendar/vilva.shtml.
Francisco Gordillo Arredondo is a graduate of Cuba's leading art school - the San Alejandro Academy of Fine Arts. He will present about five acrylic on paper pieces in this exhibit. It is said that his main contribution to Cuban art is in linking very specific esoteric knowledge to personal experience in arresting visual statements. Artist info and works displayed at http://afrocubaweb.com/arredondo/gordilloarredondo.htm.
Lino Felix Vizcaino Sarria is a self-taught artist who has exhibited extensively in Cuba and has also been in group shows in Spain, the U.S. and Mexico. Five of Felix's lino prints will be in the exhibit. Artist info and works displayed at http://galeriainlakech.com/current.html and www.cubartenewyork.com/lviscaino/.
Javier Gonzalez Gallosa is a self-taught artist exhibiting since 2000. He has had several solo shows in his home town of Cienfuegos and has been part of group shows in Spain, France and the U.S. In 2003, his work was featured in the exhibition "Orishas" at the Centre for Cuban Studies in New York. Five of Gallosa's painting in this theme will be presented. Artist info and works displayed at www.indigoarts.com/gallery_cuba_gallosa1.html.
Toronto's Spence Gallery specializes in contemporary expressions of Caribbean, Latin and African culture. Located at 588 Markham Street (just West of Bloor and Bathurst Streets), the public can ask for hours and current exhibition information by calling 416-795-2787 or visiting www.spencegallery.com.
Some of these exhibition's works have been generously provided on loan from the Centre for Cuban Studies in New York City.
ISLAND SOUL - Friday August 3 through Monday August 6
Caribbean inspired extravaganza features Calypso and Reggae legends!
All festival events are FREE admission
Summer Photo Galleries and Releases at www.harbourfrontcentre.com/wr/media/.
For more information on this exhibition and to set up artist interviews please contact Shane Gerard.
Shane Gerard
Publicist - Harbourfront Centre
235 Queens Quay West, Toronto, ONT, M5J 2G8
416-973-4518 (tel) / 416-973-6055 (fax)
sgerard@harbourfrontcentre.com
www.harbourfrontcentre.com