The vibrant LatinArte Festival, now in its 15th edition, has once again graced the borough of Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension with a stunning display of artistic talent. This year, the festival has brought together six exceptional Latino-Canadian artists whose works span various mediums, including mural painting, sculpture, paper printing, and digital art. Two captivating exhibitions have emerged from this creative fusion, and one of them, “La mémoire dans les mains,” is a testament to the profound connection between art, memory, and touch.
“La mémoire dans les mains,” which translates to “Memory in the Hands,” opened its doors on September 6 at the Parc-Extension diffusion room. This exhibition is a collaborative effort featuring the works of three immensely talented Latino-Canadian artists: Gabriela García-Luna, Juan Ortiz-Apuy, and Julian Palma. What unites these artists is their exploration of our intricate relationships with objects and the natural world.
At the heart of “La mémoire dans les mains” lies a collection of multimedia collages, each a unique tapestry of texture, material, and form. These collages serve as portals, transporting viewers into the ethereal realm of memory. Here, memory is not confined to the abstract recesses of the mind but is made tangible through the metaphorical touch of a hand. This tactile experience stands in stark contrast to the standardized interactions of our digital age, where our gestures are reduced to swipes and taps on lifeless screens.
The exhibition, “La mémoire dans les mains,” promises to be an immersive journey into the essence of memory and our intimate connection with the tangible world. It invites us to explore the delicate interplay between what is seen and what remains hidden, challenging our perception of reality.
Visitors have the privilege of experiencing this unique exhibition until October 29, 2023, at the Parc-Extension diffusion room. The official vernissage, which took place on Thursday, September 7, at 5:30 PM, provided an opportunity for art enthusiasts to engage with the curator and the participating artists. For those seeking a deeper understanding of the artistic process and vision, a guided tour led by curator Milton Riaño and artist Juan Ortiz-Apuy is scheduled for Saturday, September 23, at 1:30 PM (pass required).
Gabriela García-Luna: Born in Mexico and now residing in Canada, Gabriela García-Luna’s work delves into the paradoxical nature of photography. Her art bridges the gap between the visible and the invisible, blurring the lines between documented reality and imaginative abstraction. García-Luna’s impressive body of work has graced solo and group exhibitions in Mexico, Canada, the UK, and India. She holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Saskatchewan and a Bachelor’s degree in design from the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana de Mexico.
Juan Ortiz-Apuy: Hailing from Costa Rica, Juan Ortiz-Apuy has called Montreal his home since 2003. He is a multi-talented artist with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Concordia University, a Postgraduate Diploma from the Glasgow School of Art, and a Master of Fine Arts degree from NSCAD University.
Julian Palma: As a multidisciplinary artist based in Montreal since 2011, Julian Palma’s work transcends boundaries. He has contributed to over 50 mural projects in various capacities, including artist, coordinator, producer, and assistant. His work, characterized by vibrant color palettes and inspired by the fluid forms of nature, explores the interconnectedness of elements.
“La mémoire dans les mains” is not merely an exhibition; it is an invitation to rediscover the power of touch and the intricate threads that connect us to our memories. As we navigate our digital world, these artists remind us that the beauty of art lies in its ability to evoke the tangible and intangible, to stir our senses, and to awaken our memories. Don’t miss the chance to explore this thought-provoking exhibition at the Parc-Extension diffusion room until October 29, 2023.
