An upcoming Amelia Douglas Gallery exhibit showcases Mexican culture through the works of two Mexican artists. In collaboration with the Mexican Consulate in Vancouver, The Heart’s Rhythm by Mauricio Silerio and Color Calavera by Adrián Edgar will share the gallery in a vibrant celebration of the country’s rich traditions.
Mauricio Silerio captures the energetic beat of traditional Mexican dancing through his photography collection. Dazzling headdresses, bright costumes and intricate face paint bring movement and lightheartedness to the still images of The Heart’s Rhythm.
“Through my artwork, I try to tell the stories hidden behind the dances,” says Silerio. “The colour and expression of these dances helps to communicate ancestral knowledge from generation to generation.”
Silerio says that he hopes the collection will act as an invitation for visitors to discover a new culture, and maybe inspire them to visit Mexico and experience these visuals for themselves.
Color Calavera by Adrián Edgar is a collection of paintings inspired by Day of the Dead, a Mexican holiday that celebrates and honours the souls of deceased relatives. The most prominent symbols reflected in Day of the Dead celebrations are calacas (skeletons) and calaveras (skulls).
While Edgar uses expressionless skulls as the foundation of his paintings, he breathes life into them through his vibrant use of colour. Much like Day of the Dead, Color Calavera highlights the beauty of all aspects of life.
“In other countries, death is often seen as a taboo subject, but in Mexico we make songs, poems, jokes and art out if it,” says Edgar. “When Mexicans talk about death, we are really talking about life, the value of appreciating every moment and the importance of having a positive attitude through difficult situations.”
The Amelia Douglas Gallery, the Douglas College Modern Languages Department and the Mexican Consulate in Vancouver have come together to showcase artists that stand for the celebration and education of different cultures.
“As a gallery, we endeavour to host artists who speak to the cultural diversity of our student base and community,” says Jacci Wintermans, Arts Events Officer at Douglas College. “As an institution that is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, showcasing exhibits like this is an integral part of fostering an understanding and open-minded campus environment.
The exhibit featuring both artists will have its opening reception on September 12 at 5:30pm, followed by an artist’s talk at 7pm in the Lecture Theatre, room N2201. The artist’s talk will open with speeches from the Mexican Consulate General and Adrián Edgar, as well as a video from Mauricio Silerio discussing his art. The exhibit runs until November 2.
This exhibit will also be available for viewing during the 20th annual New West Culture Crawl, an arts and culture event celebrating creative talents across the city. The Culture Crawl takes place October 15 and 16 from 11am–5pm.
Douglas College is the largest degree-granting college in B.C., combining the academic foundations of a university and the employer-ready skills of a college to graduate resilient global citizens who adapt, innovate and lead in a changing world.
For more information, visit douglascollege.ca
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Elizabeth Douglas
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