#1: CARTAGENA Exhibition to Open 2/7

#1: Cartagena, an exhibition of contemporary art with both international and national artists, is a Biennial created with the idea of further enhancing Cartagena's image as a significant cultural center. In a city with existing deep connections to literature, cinema, music, dance and crafts art, the exhibition will honor these cultural manifestations through the artworks presented. Bringing together artists from different countries and generations, whose works will be exhibited throughout the city of Cartagena, the Biennial will include painting, sculpture, photography, electronic and audiovisual media, installation and performance.

The Biennial will focus on the idea of Presence and its multiple meanings such as:

Being (existing in the world,) Occurring (temporal experiences, either virtual or real), and Territory (historical and personal roots, history of the Americas). This expanse concept is related to the relationship between past and present - seeing the past as a symbol, myth and memory contrasting and meshing with the texture of the present, as determining factors in the identity of the present and what will unfold after. In this context, much of the definition of Presence comes from the Dutch philosopher Eelco Runic to whom Presence is "being in touch", either literally or figuratively, with people, things, events, and feelings that make you the person you are. This is the reason why the works will address the cultural connections existing in Cartagena as they were explained above. The artworks will draw people closer to them where these connections will be presented. A segment about nature/environment and recycling was added to those deep cultural connections since they represent a worldwide concern and could not be ignored.

Cartagena de Indias, a Colonial city founded in 1533, is located in the center of the northeastern Caribbean coast of Colombia. Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena has had a unique and interesting confluence of influences over its 500 year history that include pre-Columbian native Aboriginal, Spanish, African and Arab cultures. A city rich in multicultural folklore, it is often considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Caribbean.

In conjunction with the Biennial, there will be a solid academic program of forums and discussions as well as performances and concerts.

Image © Jonathan Abramowitz