Fresno Famous

Studio 1922 hosts Chilean Contemporary Art Exhibition

"The Mystery Of The Last Place On Earth: Chile"

Feature: Special Art Tour will be presented in every 20 minutes sessions on actual Reception Date: February 25, 2007 (Sunday), 1:00 — 5:00 p.m.
FREE ADMISSION at ArtHop Reception- March 1st (Thursday)

What do Hong Kong and Chile have in common?

A lot, when it comes to Studio 1922's upcoming art show, The Mystery at the End of the Earth: Chile. Studio 1922's owner, Wilkie Kwok, from Hong Kong, is organizing with Pablo Antinao, from Chile, to bring a body of contemporary work by four of Chilean painters to Fresno in March 2007.

This Asian/South American connection in Fresno says something about the art world here: it is evolving and becoming more international. Both collaborators believe art from other cultures will stimulate and support the local artists and lead to fusion of new ideas and better global understanding.

Studio 1922, with its focus on contemporary art and photography, opened its doors in December of 2006 and has featured painting, photography and digital art by local artists. In March, the focus will be on contemporary Chilean painters. The themes of these painters range from urbanization and materialism to indigenous symbolism, and certainly in this age of rapid urbanization in Fresno, the work will be as relevant here as it is in Chile, where urbanization is also occurring at a rapid pace and where cultural identity is in constant transformation.

Most people know Chile for wine and eco-tourism. Millions of people arrive each year to visit the lake district, bathe in the hot springs, kayak down a river, or see penguins and glaciers. What is perhaps lesser known about Chile is its high degree of international relations. While it once was an isolated land cut off from other countries by the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, now it has more free trade agreements than any other country in the world. This new openness to "outsiders"? has also caused a looking within and a return to the indigenous culture in search of what it means to be truly Chilean. Each of the painters featured in this show offer their unique perspective on this subject.

The opening of Mystery… will have an added bonus: guided tours will be provided to tell the story of the artists and their work. Pablo Antinao, the art collector and co-organizer of the show, believes that art can be much more deeply appreciated when one knows more about the artist and context of its creation. Pablo has been organizing cross cultural art shows since 2000 and is certain that art from distant places has a special relevance for the universal connections it reveals.

About the Artists:

Felipe Castro, Santiago, Chile

Born in 1969, Castro studied with several masters in Chile and identified with Surrealism. However he now describes himself (tongue in cheek?) as a New Post Super Renovated Surrealist. He has sold his work in Chile and in Europe, but this will be the first time it has been shown in the United States.

Technique: Oil on paper

Indigenous and modern images come together with humor in these whimsical works.

Cristian Fuica, Los Angeles, Chile

Born in 1975, Cristian obtained a degree in art and education at the Universidad de Concepcion. A prolific painter for the last 10 years, Cristian has participated in over 30 group shows, has had 5 individual exhibitions, and has placed in several national competitions. He currently teaches art at an elementary school and at the university, in addition to maintaining his own studio, where he teaches privately and paints. He is also a founder of an art collective called "El Triciclo,"? a multidisciplinary cultural group.

Technique: Acrylic on canvas; mixed media

The urban masses, materialism and the resulting chaos from accumulation and human isolation are central themes

Patricio Inostroza, Los Angeles, Chile

Born in 1967, Patricio is a self-taught painter and co-founder of "El Triciclo"? along with Cristian Fuica. He has been showing his work for the last 20 years and is sought after as a teacher.

Technique: Acrylic on Canvas

Abstract Rationalism is how the artist describes his work. The many layers of the human interior landscape are portrayed with machine-like precision. Metal seems transparent; colors blend, light flashes.

Laura Maturana, Los Angeles, Chile

Laura has been painting for the last 10 years and has participated in several group shows and national competitions. She has most recently studied with Patricio Inostroza.

Technique: Acrylic on Canvas

Design, architecture and industrialism are elevated to art forms. Primary colors and shifting perspectives allude to the urban landscape.

written by Sophia Pagoulatos

For more information, please call 559.499.1922
Studio Hours T & Th 4:30-8:30pm, Sat 9:00am-1:00pm

Location: Studio1922, 1922 N Echo Ave, Fresno
Starts: 2007 Feb 25 - 1:00pm
Ends: 2007 Mar 31 - 11:50pm
Website: http://www.myspace.com/studio1922