The Sala de Arte Ermita San Antonio in Tías, is currently showing a group exhibition 'prostitución compra-venta de intereses'.
On the surface this is perhaps a thought provoking theme for an exhibition in a gallery which was once a chapel, the building itself situated in the heart of Tías was originally built in 1800. Now a gallery with a beautiful wooden beamed ceiling the actual space is divided in two by arches, still retaining some sense of a church. The gallery easily accommodates the work of the 10 Spanish artists who feature in this mixed show.
The exhibition presents a broad range of work and includes sculpture, painting, photography, illustration, graphic design, fashion, literature and mixed media, visually rich and varied, each artist provides a unique interpretation or response to the theme of prostitution which has been interpreted in its widest sense.
From the door you notice the back wall featuring "Mr President...these are the games for military men" a piece presented on three separate panels, in mixed media by Colectivo DNI:Arte. The striking imagery shows bold stylised figures and gold decorative elements, which could be interpreted as a reference to religious imagery and the general ambience of the space. Alongside this "Instalacion no.2" by Atchen Pounapal is a collection of several images in mixed media including wood, photography, work on paper, distinctive stylised drawings and pieces which at first glance look like fashion photographs. A large piece "Sensualidad estridente" by Patricia Padrón López and Emma Pino, is a dressed free-standing mannequin, in knitted items, tights and pins. In contrast '¿Por cuánto?' by Fernando Barbarin, is a strong graphic collage combining photography and drawing and depicting a stocking-wearing Statue of Liberty. Equally the photographs by Rubén Acosta "Hotel Playa Blanca" and "Nave Fuerteventura" contrast with "Cuestión de huevos" by Antonio Gala a purely typographic piece of enlarged text by the artist.
All the works are presented with accompanying artists statements, although all provided in Spanish only. If you're not fluent in Spanish and can't fully appreciate the intent behind the pieces, the visual impact and variety of the show still works well and provokes interest. Also several of the artists provide web addresses, or email addresses for further information. Other artists included are: Fátima Lemes Suárez, Guadalupe Carracedo, Nuia Meseguer, Miguel Pérez.
The exhibition is open to the 31st March from Monday to Thursday 17.00 - 20.00h and Saturdays 10:00 - 14.00h, entry is free.
Sala de Arte Ermita san Antonio, Avenida Central, s/n. 35572 Tías.
Gill is one of the Lanzarote Information staff writers, you can find out more on our about page.
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