|
|
|
|
|
|
Artist Exhibitions:
One-Woman Shows
Ancient Voices, Modern Tools,
George Mason University
Arlington Professional Center
Art Gallery, Arlington, VA
(2002)
Luna Grill, Washington, DC
(2000 & 1999)
Ancient Voices, Modern Tools,
Barnes & Noble, Rockville, MD
(1998)
Lado International College,
Washington, DC (1996)
National Puerto Rican
Coalition, Washington, D.C.
(1993)
Invitational & Juried Shows
...
Further Information
|
|
Artist Galleries:
Coming Soon!
|
|
Artist Reviews:
Coming Soon!
|
|
Collections:
Prentice-Hall Books,
Washington, D.C.
National Hispana Leadership
Institute, 1995 Mujer Award
Award
Private collections in Canada,
Argentina, Bolivia,
California, Virginia, Maryland
and the District of Columbia,
Colorado, Indiana, Oklahoma,
New York, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania and Illinois.
...
Further Information
|
|
Commissions:
Coming Soon!
|
|
|
Artist Statement for Virginia Robles-Villalba
|
|
|
"Rediscovery: A Path to My Native Roots" reflects my Puerto Rican heritage and pre-columbian Taino symbolism and myths that have been constant themes in my work since I began to draw. Each symbol, myth or ritual/ceremony represented is piece of memory whether my own or almost genetic of a time in lush green rainforests, turquoise seas and white beaches. Time stands still as images of ceremonies, childhood memories, goodbyes, loss, and family, juxtapose beside timeless symbols.
Using traditional and computer techniques symbols, the resulting work can seem to exist as a real object, but in reality are inventions existing totally in a cyber-reality. This cyber-reality can be likened to the alternate reality that indigenous shamans have witnessed from time immemorial. The viewer delves into the mystery of a culture where life is vibrant, emotional, and yet not so simple
My current body of work is based on myths, symbols and motifs of the indigenous people of the Caribbean translated into a modern context via traditional and computerized painting techniques. Even though the Tainos were the first to encounter the Europeans, their artwork, symbols, myths and traditions are some of the least known. My work is a personal, visual translation of the oral traditions and symbols that have survived.
These ancient voices speak of a time when there was abundance and simplicity in human interaction. Instead of a scientific, logical explanation of the world, oral tradition uses song, poetry, sagas and myths to understand and place our human reality in a universe full of wonder and mystery. Each symbol, myth or icon becomes a link to that ancient past, and speaks to modern man in archetypes that have meaning in the present.
Through computer techniques, black & white symbols can be transformed into any material (stone, gold, wood, etc.). The resulting work can seem to exist as a real object, but in reality they are inventions existing totally in a cyber-reality. This cyber-reality can be likened to the alternate reality that indigenous shamans and medicine men have witnessed from time immemorial. Lush tropical colors are used to bring the viewer into the mystery of this alternate reality. I paint Mother Earth (Atabey in Taino) and her gifts to us and the reminder that we must be mindful of our impact on the planet.
The most important influence on my work have been those ancient artists who made objects with a spiritual intent – beauty intended for the gods and those who understood the significance of the iconography. These ancient works are a testament to human creativity, ability and endurance. With simple hand tools, objects of great beauty were created. Another influence has been the work of the modern Mexican muralists, Diego Rivera, David Siquieros and Miguel Orozco and the intense coloring and emotion of the works of Frida Kahlo.
|
|
send an email
