Tijuana Triennial – Exciting International Art Just Across the Border

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Tijuana Triennial – Exciting International Art Just Across the Border by Genie Davis

Centro Cultural Tijuana (CECUT) is beautiful museum and art center, and the home to the 2024-2025 Tijuana Triennial art exhibition. In its second iteration, the International Pictorico features a wide array of stunning installations, paintings, sculptures, and more from 87 artists from 14 international locations.

Cultural promoter and plastics artist Alvara Blancarte, along with Mexico’s Secretariat of Culture, and CECUT itself brought this program into being to both support artistic talent in Mexico and abroad, and to position Tijuana itself as home to a superb exhibition and musuem.  The international call to artists focused on conceptualizing artistic possibility that were fresh and creative to rpresent new artistic explorations, dimensions, and techniques, and above all, to challenge traditional ideas of “art.” Over 537 proposals were received, from which the 86 exhibiting artists were carefully culled, representing Mexico, the U.S., Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, England, Costa Rica, Cuba, Venezuela, Panama, Ecuador, Paraguay, Spain, and Peru.

The artists’ work runs the gamut interms of medium and subject, the latter ranging from artificial intelligence to migration, personal violence, and politcal and social strife. Per the museum’s curatorial statement,  the works “contribute to the biological, literary, environmentalist, femicidal, racist, territorial, gender narratives, and more.” Curated and juried by Brazilian critic, writer, and academic Leonor Amarante, the exhibition opened last July and runs through February 2025. Viewers can engage in the exhibition as well,  by voting for the works affect them the most. The winning artist receives a prize of 1 million pesos, with additional prizes for the second and third place winners.

Among those exhibiting are returning Miami-based Venezuelan artist Rafael Montilla, this time with his suspended pyramidic sculpture “Door to the Universe.”

Costa Rican artist Karla Herencia, with “What are those stains that float?”, an installation that combines paintings and sculptures shaped from plastic fragments found beaches near Cóbano, Puntarenas, that speaks to the destructive plastic waste disposed of and dispersed in our oceans.

On the politcal and social front, Mexican artist Daniel Ruanova’s “Heraldy for an Emerging Political Society,” and Yumnia Duarte (Mexico)’s “We Can’t Hold Back the Water,” also shine.

There are fabric based works including a haunting familial circle that depict ephmeral hanging dresses; a vast “room” shaped from diaphonous fabric panels of larger-than-life female figures enduring often frightening changes in “Volatile intimacy: tales from a nomadic body-house that manages to cross legal and inhuman boundaries,” a powerful piece by Venezuelan artist Sofia Saavedra.

There are light and sound works, from Argentinian/Brazilian artist TEC with his projected floor work depicting the moving outline of a body and cars in a parking lot,  “Asphalt in Motion,” and the wonderfully interactive – visitors may write on a shard of pottery – black light installation replete with “flying carpet” and a celestial-appearing black urn, “Take Off Terminal” from EcoPola Art (Mexico.)

There’s a sculptural work consisting of trash found along the Tijuana border crossing with the U.S.; a black-lit room illuminating glowing paintings of men with large bottles of water; and a magenta and hot pink shiny room, which when crossed – wearing paper booties to protect the floor’s surface – reveals a soft furry magenta room, and a video depicting a wounded man.

 

In another space there stands a vast army of headless female maniquins clad in diaphonous skirts with vests made of leaves, on which are painted a series of faces.

The work was created by XoQue, an art group that invites viewers to “walk among the pinata dress-form to highlight the injustices occuring on the the female body where many are violantly assaulted in public spaces. Here we can reflect on how a united community can create healing change in third spaces. Which body form speaks to you?”

From a large sculptural abacus to lush fiber art that moves in multi-colored waves across a surface and Pablo Castaneda’s “The Sentinel,” spray paint on found objects, there are so many fascinating, meaningful works to view, roadmaps, as it were, to the human condition.

Among these many stellar works are an astonishing collage and series of delicate, haunting mosaic tower scultpures made of ceramic shards from Peggy Sivert (Portugese Bend Projects) “The Past Presents.” Sivert layers ceramic fragments around a central iron armature, and a concrete mastic, giving a fresh new life to castoff ceramics.

 

 

Also singularly imperssive is a large-scale, layered, and richly evocative acrylic painting from Sierra Madre-based artist Eva Malhorta, who quite literally carves into her painted works, here, the lushly intricate work, “Call to the Sacred.” Malhorta works in encaustic and carved work, oil and acrylic painting, installations, performance, and photography. The work is glowing, an intimately connected network of lines and shapes, intricate and mysterious.

Both Sivert and Malhorta are tremendously accomplished artists, whose versality and range have led to countless LA-area and international exhibitions. While completely different concepturally, both artists’ works were among the most beautiful and powerful in the vast exhibition. It’s not easy to be standouts in a collection of standouts, but these two Los Angeles artists have more than managed it.

In all, exhibiting artists include:

Alba Esperanzaaa
Alexander V Molina
Alfredo Gallegos Mena
Alicia In Spiral
Alvaro Fernandez Melchor
Ana Karen Rodriguez Sanchez
Angelica Escoto
Anirakconk
Architectural Artist Alvaro Alvarez
Armand
Azucena Leticia Gomez Rodriguez
Becky Guttin
Braulio Adrian Huerta Ortiz
Camilo Bojaca Ardila
Candor Chavez
Carolina Villanueva Lucero
Celeste Flores
Cesar Meneghetti
Christian Becerra
Claudia Casarino
Coletivo Duas Marias
Constanza Fregoso
Dalia Ortega
Daniel Ruanova
David Bucio
Julie Hermoso
Jupiterfab
Karla Herencia
Kubemanart
Leka Mendes
Leonor Hochschild
Luis Aduna
Luis Fitch
Maik Jimenez
Marcela Roldan De Luna
Marcio Almeida
Maria Belen Robeda
Maria Gloria Nieto Montero
Maria Orozco
Marila Dardot
Maru Ulivi
Mila Gross
Monica Aceves
Nereida Dusten
Omar Castillo
Oscar Ratto
Oslyn Whizar Toscano
Othon Castaneda
Pablo Castaneda
Patricia Henriquez
Patricie Gerber
David Eduardo Santillan Caicedo
Diana Olarte
Ecopola Art
Caradura Editions
Elena Parau
Emmanuel Bornstein
Enrique Rubio
Esmeralda Torres
Eva Malhotra
Evangelista
Fabiana Wolf
Felipe Coaquira Charca
Franco Mendéz Calvillo
Gabriela González Leal
Geoneide Brandão
Gerardo Mendez
German Betancur
Groom
Guadalupe Reyes
Gustavo Dalinha
Hector Zamora
Ivan Martinez
Jonathan Vasquez
Jorge A Palos
Jose Patricio
Peggy Sivert
R. Trompaz
Rafael Perea De La Cabada
Regina Silveira
Renato Pera
Rene Gomez Ome
Ricardo Pinto
Ricardo Van Steen
Rocco Almanza
Saldaña
Salgado
Samara Colina
Scott Henry Hopkins
Shuta Ruelas
Sofia Saavedra
Solis Apollon
Stephania Bueno
Suzanna Gonzalez-Revillo
Tec
Ttzarzar
Tufo
Xoque Art In Motion
Yuan Gong
Yumnia Duarte
Zaka

 

Do cross the border this month and experience this involving and lovely exhibition. The museum offers easy parking; if you prefer to park on the Chula Vista U.S. side, you can cross the border on foot and take a five minute cab ride to the museum for a few dollars. CECUT is open 10-7, Tuesday-Sunday. The address is: P.º de los Héroes 9350, Zona Urbana Rio Tijuana
Tijuana, B.C., Mexico, CA

  • Genie Davis; photos, Genie Davis

Grief and Loss: the Face of Fire

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Grief and Loss: The Face of Fire – Genie Davis

There has been an enormous amount of loss and grief throughout Los Angeles, as artists and other creatives have lost homes, studios, work, livlihoods,  and family history.

It is unprecented: isolating due to air quality and the heaviness of sorrow; galvinizing, as in the outpouring of community support; infiuriating due to society’s collective ignorance of climate change and the politicization of even the natural landscape.  Still ahead of us are spiked rent increases, the tangled web of insurance and government bureaucracy, and the immediate loss to the art community of canceled shows, diminished sales, and actual artworks.

All we can do is mourn, and express our inchoate longing for the life that came before, and hope for a time that comes after.  All we can do that is, except to express our generosity of spirit, plan fundraising efforts, respond to Go Fund Me accounts of loved ones and friends, donate goods and foods and a helping hand.

It is with that in mind that I want to suggest that anyone with a personal – or a friend in the art community’s – GFM or other fundraising platform that benefits this community, please mention it in the comments section.

Here are a few to start off:

For all the non-human victims out there please give generously to: Pasadena Humane Society  

Drop off donations:

Torrance Art Museum, TAM. Per museum director Max Presneill:

“To help where we can Torrance Art Museum (TAM) will be accepting donations (in goods, not money) for those families devastated by the Los Angeles fires. You can drop off things you think they might need to TAM: Tues 13 – Sat 18, from 10am-4pm. Please ring the bell at the staff entrance (not Museum entrance) around the back, to drop off your donations: 3320 CIVIC CENTER Drive, Torrance, CA 90503

The Torrance Theater Company will also be accepting donations at the same times: 1316 Cabrillo Ave, Torrance, CA 90501

We are especially looking for:
– Clothes and shoes
– Personal hygiene items and sanitary products – new toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, diapers, etc
– Tinned food, bottled water, dry goods, snacks, baby formula
– Blankets, sleeping bags, pillows
– Charging cables and extension cables
– Books, puzzles, games, cards

These items will be delivered by TAM staff to the Bendix Building at 1206 Maple Ave, downtown LA, and available for those hit by the fires to collect on Sunday 19th January, 10am-4pm in suite 800, on the 8th floor.”

Los Angeles Makery

  • What’s available: Tools, supplies, and materials for artists who lost studios.
    Items such as paints, canvases, cameras, paper, and more are available for free.
  • Contact to donate or receive supplies: thelosangelesmakery@gmail.com | Text 213-392-2611
  • 260 S. Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles (Little Tokyo adjacent)

Superchief Gallery LA

  • Collecting supplies and essential items for fire victims, including art materials.
  • Location: 1965 S Los Angeles St, Los Angeles, CA 90011

Thinkspace Projects

  • Collecting supplies for the Red Cross and distributing N95 masks.
  • Location: 4217 and 4207 W Jefferson Blvd

Per ArtShare LA:

Below is a list of additional resources, spaces, and grants available to help you recover and continue creating:

Temporary Space and Resources

Immersive Art Collective

  • What’s available: Temporary storage for salvaged artwork, instruments, and more.
    • Large space with internet access, air purifiers, seating, tables, heating, and restroom facilities. Small kitchen area with tea, coffee pots, refrigerator, and microwave.
  • Location: 1035 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90015 (south of L.A. Live)
  • Contact: 310-894-3638 | info@immersiveartcollective.org
  • Cost: Free

Emergency Grants and Financial Support

Emergency Micro-Grants for Artists

Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+) Emergency Assistance

Rauschenberg Emergency Medical Grant

  • The Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants program provides one-time grants of up to $5,000 for recent unexpected medical, dental, and mental health emergencies to artists in financial need* who are creating in the visual arts, film/video/electronic/digital arts, and choreography.

Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant

  • The Foundation provides financial resources up to $50,000 for visual artists to create new work, acquire supplies, rent studio space, prepare for exhibitions, attend a residency and offset living expenses.
  • Apply here: https://pkf.org/apply/

Entertainment Community Fund Fund Entertainment Assistance Program

Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant

  • Financial aid for painters, sculptors, and printmakers who have experienced catastrophic events.
  • Applicants must demonstrate 10+ years of mature work. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000.

Artists’ Fellowship, Inc.

  • Provides financial assistance for visual artists facing unexpected emergencies, natural disasters, or extreme hardship.
  • Open to active artists who make their livelihood through the sale of artworks.

LA Art World Fire Relief Fund

  • Mutual aid fund to assist artists and art workers with severe loss or damage to homes, studios, or property.
  • Apply or offer aid: LA Art World Fire Relief Fund

MusiCares

  • Support for music professionals impacted by the fires. MusiCares provides crisis relief, preventive care, recovery resources, and need-based financial assistance for people across all music professions.
  • Contact: musicaresrelief@musicares.org | 1-800-687-4227

Mental Health and Social Services

We Rise LA

  • Offers a 24/7 Help Line and links to mental health resources.
    Get Help Now: Call 1-800-854-7771 or text “HELP’’  to 741741 anytime for a crisis counselor.

Mental Health America of Los Angeles

Los Angeles County Arts and Mental Health Resources

  • Joint resources from the Departments of Arts and Culture and Public Health.

THIS IS THE SPACE TO CONTACT ME TO ADD GO FUND ME ACCOUNTS

Go Fund Me accounts shared with me as of this writing:

John Knuth family 

Camilla and Josh Taylor

Eva Montealegre

Ann Storc and family

Margaret Griffith and the Carter family 

LA Yoga Aid (instructors and other community members who have lost homes)

I will cut and paste other links as they come in and add to this post.

You can also reach me personally with this information via email, genie@diversionsLA.com.

Sending love out to those who are experiencing the devastation, and to those who are processing it, lending a helping hand, and hoping for a reborn and better tomorrow.

  • Genie Davis; photos, Genie Davis

Lock/Unlock Opens New Doors to Art at Loft at Liz’s

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Lock/Unlock Opens New Doors to Art at Loft At Liz’s  by Genie Davis

LOCK/UNLOCK examines the past, present and future of security, privacy and protection through art and technology. Interactive, inventive installations and artwork cover the gamut from 19th century BC lock and key mechanisms to today’s present encryption and biometrics.  Participating in the exhibition, a part of the Getty’s PST programming of art and science pairings, are artists, engineers, coders and historians, including:  Krista Blake, Derek Curry, George Dyson, Liz Gordon, Jennifer Gradecki, Debby Kline, Larry Kline, Laure Michelon (Studio MMR), John Peralta, and Lena Alexandra Root.

As the exhibition’s curatorial notes state, the artists in this exhibition are posing questions such as: “Do we consider privacy a human right? What is the trade off between privacy and transparency? Are we afraid of technology or who controls it? Are we willing to change our digital behavior?” All intriguing questions and premises for art exploration, as is the notation that “the need for security systems remains resolute” in today’s world.

Along with new work by these artists, there are on exhibit historical wrist restraints;  locks and dead bolts and keys, all displayed  by gallerist Liz Gordon. The installation of antique keys is both beautiful and mysterious.

It’s exciting and innovative work, including many fascinating and viewer-involving, thought-provoking works such as Jennifer Gradecki and Derek Curry’s “Generative Persuasion,” an interactive installation with a mobile command center that reveals the startling effectiveness of live language models at generating false content – the world of disinformation we live in now come to demonstrable life.  Those who participate can enter their or another’s bias in perception to generate completely different takes on “reality.”

Debbie and Larry Kline offer “Unlocking the Truth,” in which stone sulptures – granite and powdercoated stainless steel – are washed periodically in water to reveal the word “truth” only when the flow of water stops. The intentionally blurry carving increases the viewers focus and analytical capabilities, ably demonstrating an exploration in clarity and confusion. The thematic approach is inspired by a talk given by Thomas Albright at the Salk Institute for Biological Sutdies, discusing the brain’s inability to see accurately.

Even more visceral in terms of the Lock/Unlock subject matter is the Yale safe lock and bitcoin piece created by John A. Peralta, “How Safe,” which is both a visual game and an apt illustration of the illusion of security and the ability to “crack” it.

Lena Root’s “Men” takes a feminist viewpoint of technology and “locking” the truth, with images that depict chastity belts in front of a woman’s face.

Studio MMR has another immersive work in technolgy that interacts in words and image to one’s presence in the secondary, smaller space at the Loft, just off the main gallery – impressive and involving work. “Mediated Realities” provides sensory inputs to interactions with the viewer.

Krista Blake and George Dyson also present involving and thought-provoking work.

Art talk and closing reception are February 1, from 3-5 – time to unlock all the vicissitudes of the new year and uncover possible remedies with a visit to this exciting exhibition.

  • Genie Davis; photos, Genie Davis

A Winter Island Get Away

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A Winter Island Getaway – by Genie Davis

We’ve stayed on Catalina Island many times, often exploring the museum, the casino, or inland hiking. Off-season is one of the best times to go – fewer crowds, often perfect weather, and excellent ways to save on costs, too. This year, Catalina Express and close to 20 hotel partners, including for  Banning House Lodge in Two Harbors for the first time,  are sharing its popular “Best of Winter” ferry and hotel packages, now through March 14th.

The Casino is stunning, as are its tours; the museum always has special exhibitions and a terrific, historic permanent collection. There are new restaurants to experience such as the first biergarten in Avalon, Fix Biergarten, and the revamped Lobster Trap, as well as the brand new waterfront Pier 24, which pays tribute to the island’s original Steamer Pier from 1924.  There’s also a new  Pearl Discovery Experience, an interactive pearl jewelry experience, many eco tours into Catalina’s interior, and of course outdoor fun from hiking to parasailing, kayaking, and diving.

Speaking of diving, perhaps you’ll want to participate in the Underwater Cleanup in its 43rd annual iteration on February 22nd, or the Catalina Island Maraton 10k or 5k on March 8th.

The package offers round trip boat transport for two, and a variety of hotel packages:

At Banning House Lodge, guests can experience the beauty of Two Harbors, and wide views of both the Isthmus and Catalina Harbor, along with a selection of evening wine and cheese, and continental breakfast. Note that this venue is not open in January; check dates with the hotel, but due to weather, the property is typically open starting March 1st.

Ready for your visit right now, the Catalina Canyon Inn offers views, a pool, shuttle service from its spot just above town into Avalon Center, and an on-site restaurant.

The Aurora provides an ocean-centric theme and ambiance in a boutique hotel vibe, with Continental breakfast; Hotel Mac Rae is beach front in the center of town, a Continental breakfast served in its open-air courtyard, and after check-out shower facilities if you plan to get in a kayak session, dive, or swim before departing. At the Bellanca, guest will enjoy a bottle of sparkling wine, as well as a taxi ride to and from the boat landing.

Stay tuned to see what we will experience on the island, which is accessible via Catalina Express form San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point in as little as one hour.  From nature to cultural experiences, from history to hiking, snorkeling to fishing to spa experiences, Catalina has a little bit of everything an island getaway can offer – close to home and mellower and more magical off-season. For more info, check out the Winter Packages here. 

  • Genie Davis; island photos by Genie Davis; Catalina Express image provided by Catalina Express.