Exhibition 'STUDIO ITZATNA 2024' - Birmingham Open Studios
Multiple dates and times
Studio ITZATNA, B12 9AH
Description
Join ITZATNA Arts at their new studio in The Old Print Works for a group exhibition featuring 4 Mexican visual artists based in Birmingham: Alfredo Hau, Michelle Amezcua, Gisela de los Rios Lara, and Roberto Serra Vasquez.
The exhibition will showcase their recent painting, ceramics, photography, and more.
Alfredo Hau
Alfredo Hau Paredes is a Mexican visual artist and professional chef based in Birmingham (UK). His practice and mediums are predominantly in abstract paintings, community murals, poetry and spoken word, but he has more recently branched out into performance art, sculpture, video, and installation. Whenever Mexicans dress, eat, gather together, rejoice, mourn or communicate with their gods, this concern with beauty is uppermost, reflecting popular beliefs and traditions, yet allowing the individual to express himself with spontaneity.
In Mexico, life and death are intertwined facets of the same reality, essential to the practical and spiritual needs that enrich the ceremonial routines of the people. Alfredo’s work reflects ancestral forms connected to the glyphs and symbols of the powerful Mayan civilization, blending passion and color to create symbols that resonate with modern times.
Website https://alfredo-hau.weebly.com
Michelle Amezcua
Michelle is an emerging Mexican-American visual artist whose work delves into the rich heritage of traditional Mexican styles and techniques. Through the medium of ceramics, Michelle crafts pieces that not only pay homage to the intricate and vibrant artistry of Mexico but also bring a contemporary twist to these time-honoured methods. Each creation is a testament to the deep cultural roots and the artist's personal journey of exploration and identity.
As a dedicated member of Sundragon Poetry at Old Print Works, Michelle collaborates with a community of creatives, infusing their visual art with the diverse influences and innovative spirit that this collective embodies.
Currently, Michelle is expanding their artistic horizons by studying Music at The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. The interplay between these disciplines gives Michelle the opportunity to discover different ways art and music can connect communities.
Through a commitment to both tradition and innovation, Michelle’s art speaks to the enduring power of cultural heritage and the boundless possibilities of creative expression.
Instagram: @michacrafts_ // https://www.instagram.com/michacrafts_/
Gisela de los Rios Lara
Gisela de los Rios Lara is an emerging Mexican photographer whose work is characterized by a deep fascination with the quiet beauty of everyday life. Through her lens, she seeks to capture the fleeting moments of stillness and reflection that often go unnoticed in our fast-paced world. Her photography is an exploration of the subtle, yet profound, narratives found in the mundane.
Inspired by the people she encounters on the streets and during her travels, Gisela focuses on photographic portraits that reveal the unique stories and emotions of her unwitting subjects. Her approach is both spontaneous and intimate, allowing her to preserve the authenticity and rawness of each moment. The resulting images are poignant, offering a glimpse into the personal and often introspective worlds of those she photographs.
Gisela's work is driven by a desire to celebrate the ordinary, to find beauty in the simple and the overlooked. She believes that every individual and every scene has a story to tell, and through her photography, she strives to give voice to these silent narratives. Her portraits are not just pictures; they are windows into the soul, capturing the essence of human experience in its most unguarded form.
By focusing on the everyday, Gisela's photography invites viewers to pause and appreciate the stillness and beauty that surround them. Her work is a testament to the power of observation and the art of seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Instagram: @giseladelosrios // https://www.instagram.com/giseladelosrios/
Roberto Serra Vasquez
Roberto Serra Vasquez is a self-taught Mexican artist whose passion for painting has been a lifelong journey. From a young age, Serra was drawn to the world of art, finding inspiration in the vibrant culture and rich traditions of his homeland. His works are deeply influenced by iconic Mexican artists such as Diego Rivera and the age-old traditions of Mexico, including the captivating equestrian sport of 'Charrería'.
Serra's artistic career began to shine early on when he received his first award at the 8th International Art Exhibition for Children and Young People in Hyvinkää, Finland, in 1990. This recognition marked the beginning of a promising path that would see his art celebrated on international platforms.
His most recent oil painting, "El Charro," exemplifies his deep connection to Mexican heritage and was proudly included in an art exhibition in London, organized by the Embassy of Mexico in the UK. This piece, like much of Serra's work, captures the essence of Mexican traditions and the spirit of its people.
An interesting and unique aspect of Serra's creative process is his collaboration with his wife, Gisela de los Rios Lara. Being color-blind, Serra relies on Gisela's keen eye for color to bring his visions to life. This partnership adds a distinctive layer to his artwork, blending his artistic talent with her perceptive guidance, resulting in pieces that are both visually striking and deeply personal.
Serra's art is a celebration of Mexican culture, infused with the vibrancy and passion that define his identity. His paintings are not merely visual representations but are imbued with the stories, traditions, and emotions of his heritage. Through his art, Serra invites viewers to experience the beauty and depth of Mexican culture, seen through the unique perspective of an artist who paints not only with his eyes but with his heart.
https://www.artgallery.co.uk/s/qe9sk3j/roberto-serra-vasquez
ITZATNA Arts
ITZATNA Arts are a small arts organization based in the Midlands that create cross-cultural collaborations with artists and diaspora communities between México, Latin America, and the UK. Founded by the father-son artist duo Alfredo Hau (Visual Artist, Writer & Professional Chef) and Sebas Hau (Live Artist, Theatre-Maker & Creative Producer), ITZATNA cultivate intergenerational, decolonial, and ecological approaches to creating cutting-edge projects that combine visual, community, culinary, and live art to create unique experiences for all ages. www.itzatna.org // contact@itzatna.org // @itzatna.arts
Location
Studio ITZATNA, B12 9AH