R E F L E C T I O N S
A VISION OF FIVE PHOTOGRAPHERS FROM DIVERSE CULTURES
The FotoFest Biennial 2024 presents its central exhibition, "Critical Geography," a thought-provoking endeavor to challenge and expand the traditional Western and historical concepts of geography. This exploration delves into the dynamics of changing spaces and the emergence of new spatial concepts. Held in Houston, FotoFest is a renowned contemporary arts organization brought into existence by the visionary photojournalists Frederick Baldwin and Wendy Watriss. With a deep commitment to the progression of photography and visual culture, FotoFest curates various exhibitions, engages the public through educational programs, and disseminates knowledge through its publications. It consistently strives to bridge the past and the present by exploring social, cultural, and political narratives through the lens of photography and related media, which forms the cornerstone of FotoFest philosophy.
As a participant space of the FotoFest Biennial 2024, Serrano Gallery will contribute with the exhibit "Reflections." This exhibition showcases five distinct artists, each offering a unique vision influenced by their diverse geographical backgrounds. The collective works are a tapestry of perspectives, each woven with threads of individual experiences and cultural contexts, creating a mosaic of global artistic expression. /Culture
John Bernhard, from Switzerland, reflects on the connection between humans and nature in the post-pandemic era. It employs experimental photography techniques, infused with elements of dreams and surrealism, to emphasize trees' historical and cultural significance [Read More]. Alfonso Bonilla from Colombia. His work is an unmistakable homage to the hypermodern times we live in. And weaves intricate tales of everyday scenes, creating compelling narratives within each photograph. Luvia Lazo is a Zapotec photographer from Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca. Her works aim to capture single views of reality reflective enough of the modern Zapotec woman's perspective. Creating a gallery of images through time and space in Oaxaca faithfully documents the transformations in culture and identity of the ages. Bogdan Mihai from Romania presents his "Inheritance" series, documenting the fading grandeur of a historic Romanian thermal spa, symbolizing a societal change. Carlos Ocando from Venezuela searches for harmony in urban landscapes, exploring the concept of reflections in his work. Through their series, each artist offers a distinct perspective on time and space, connecting their subjects and viewers in a contemplative dialogue.
JOHN BERNHARD
Is a Swiss American artist and photographer who traveled North America extensively before settling in Houston, Texas, in 1980. For more than three decades, he has chosen the medium of photography to explore the everyday world from new perspectives, breaking away into different pathways of artistic expression.
He is the author of 9 monographs, his work is in 20 museum collections, and he has had many exhibitions throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe, including a solo exhibition at the Houston Center for Photography in 1985 and three museum exhibitions.
AFONSO BONILLA
A Colombian artist driven by passion and commitment, combines his diverse background as a multimedia designer and extensive teaching experience in China and Singapore to delve into the captivating realm of graphic photography. Through the fusion of technological tools and a distinctive approach to image exposure, Afonso crafts compositions marked by vibrant chromatic richness, offering viewers an immersive experience that transcends the surface. Inspired by the hyper-modern era, his work stands as a testament to the transformative power of visual expression, engaging contemporary audiences in our screen-dominated society. Embracing graphic photography as a pictorial element, Afonso draws from abstract impressionism, creating pieces that stimulate a profound visual dialogue, reflecting his unwavering dedication to pushing artistic boundaries and inviting viewers into a world where emotions and perceptions intertwine.
LUVIA LAZO
Photography is her way of portraying the worlds to which she belongs. Her work aims to capture reality from the perspective of the contemporary Zapotec woman, creating a constellation of images through time and spaces in Oaxaca, documenting the generational gaps and the transformation of identities across ages. She is a recipient of the Jóvenes Creadores grant of the FONCA 2020 (National Fund for the Culture of the Arts, Mexico) and the inaugural recipient of the Indigenous Photo Grant 2021, supported by Leica and Photo Ville. Her photography often focuses on the daily life, traditions, and people of Oaxaca, offering a window into the diverse and colorful world of this region.
The Hiding Faces series: Luvia Lazo is a Zapotec photographer who captures the moment when faces ‘begin to fade.’ It’s an idea that her language has a word for it and is used when someone moves away, stops visiting, or disappears. With this idea in mind, Luvia portrayed the elders of her community, whom she identifies as nearing the end of life. Now, she has begun a deeper exploration of the transformation of the body in old age.
BOGDAN MIHAI
Inheritance series -Thermal springs, hidden in a scenic valley, were used by Roman soldiers to cure their ills. Centuries later, the same healing waters drew the Austro-Hungarians to build one of the most elegant spa resorts ever created in Europe. It was a retreat where the aristocrats and royals came for their cures. With the fall of empires and monarchies and years of communist rule, the exquisite architecture of Baile Herculane began to show its age. After the revolution in 1989, decades of neglect and mismanagement brought the buildings to the brink of collapse.
Over the past ten years, Bogdan Mihai has chronicled the decline of the historical thermal baths in Herculane, Romania. While this collection of photographs depicts the decline of a historical treasure in Romania, it also reminds us of our responsibility to future generations. Little remains of the Roman baths in Herculane, and the 19th-century spa is near collapse… yet the hot springs continue to flow.
There are many examples of the price of indifference. Whether personal issues, family or local problems, national or global concerns, all will decay from neglect. Herculane Baths are our inheritance, all of us. And though we did not destroy this gift, it remains our responsibility. The more important question is where we have been neglectful. What has withered under our care, and what will be our legacy?
“Inheritance Series Behind the Scene”
See Video>>>
CARLOS OCANDO
Carlos Ocando is a Venezuelan-American photographer who specializes in the urban landscape, urban abstraction, and liminal spaces. Early in his life, driven by his passion for electronics and computers, he decided to get a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. During his time in college, he developed a new hobby, photography; he walked around campus taking photos of interesting views that he would see between classes. Inspired by nature and how light interacts with it. In 2009, he decided to start working as a freelance photographer, also working as an assistant and photo-retoucher with portrait photographer Albert Frangiéh. Working with him for two years, he learned everything he needed to become a professional photographer but also learned about fine art photography and the history of photography and studied the masters of photography from the 20th century. For over 10 years, Carlos focused on black-and-white landscapes and still-life photography. After the pandemic, something switched inside of him, and he decided to start exploring his apartment and the streets, fascinated by the play of light, shadow, and color. I feel that everything around us: back alleys, patches on walls, shopping carts, and electrical devices, has beauty and a story.
Guest Artist Kwon
KWON TEIMCHAIYAPOOM
Kwon Teimchaiyapoom is a native Houstonian who is inspired by telling the stories of those around her. Concentrating on art history, history, sociology, and world cities at the University of Houston, her artwork is very much influenced about the histories and peoples in her city. In her series, Houston, My Home, she focuses on the social and economic disparities in her hometown. The artist uses photo manipulation to illustrate that the city’s monumental success alters our perspective of the true realities of those living in hardship. Mixing in documentary photos, the realities of of those hardships have a voice in this series.
Kwon has been working at Serrano Gallery for over two years, learning about various artists and the Houston art market. She is very honored to be participating in this exhibition.
CURATOR
MARIA CHEVEZ
OPENING RECEPTION
Friday, March 15th, 2024
5:00 to 8:00 PM
EXHIBITION HOURS
11 am - 5 pm
Monday through Saturday
Open to the public
SERRANO GALLERY
Silver Street Studios
2000 Edwards -317
Sawyer Yards
MORE INFORMATION:
713 724 0709 - 936 668 0109
THE MEXICAN CULTURAL AND
TOURISM INSTITUTE
IS PROUD TO INTRODUCE
LUVIA LAZO
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