By Iven Kelley-Dobson
Having challenges in locating a gallery in which to show my art, which I call FACES, San Miguel once again created a vortex of magic to allow me to bring Galería Potranca to life! If not for walking by the locale that is now Galeria Potranca and stopping to greet a friend talking with my (soon-to-be) landlord, I would not be writing this today. In that moment the pathway for Galeria Potranca was cleared. I knew I wanted to focus on emerging Mexican artists.
Approximately 70% of the artists represented at Galeria Potranca are Mexican, most of whom have never shown their work to the public before. Many of the artists could be considered “outsider artists” in that they have not had formal art training but their talent and creativity are natural and readily apparent, while others have had studied art and techniques (some having art degrees). My goal at Galeria Potranca is to give artists a platform to show their work and meet the public, thereby giving them experience in pricing and displaying their work; as wall as the “business of art”.
Currently in Galeria Potranca, Kristos Lezama has become quite popular. Kristos is originally from Mexico City and has been engulfed in the creative worlds of music, graphic arts, and creative arts his entire life. What started as doodling on napkins to pass time evolved to his work on paper and canvas. He starts his work with no expectations and allows his subconscious creative process to frantically flow from start to finish in one session. At the October FINAL FRIDAY Kristos placed an easel in the gallery and drew a few simple lines and encouraged attendees to add their own mark, be it a line or shape. At the end of the evening the result was an incredible collaborative work of art!
Another native of Mexico City is Guillermo Castro, sculptor, who studied at the National School of Plastic Arts ENAP. He works in resin, bronze, stone, cantera, and concrete.
You can see his love and admiration of the indigenous cultures of the Huichol, Chichimecas, and Aztecs bringing in the rituals of those ancient cultures. He has exhibited in Spain, Chile, CDMX, San Luis Potosi and now Galeria Potranca where among his work you will see his “Frida Kahlo Collection” of busts and masks.
Also showing is Antonio Torres, a native Sanmiguelense who studied at the Universidad Veracruzana where he received the 2018 “Art, Science, and Light” acknowledgement. He is currently studying for a master’s degree in Heritage and Art and the University of Guanajuato. His work in oil, ink, and engraving reflects his passion of cultural diversity, history, and the cultural evolution of art. He has shown in solo and group exhibits, receiving awards and distinctions. Galeria Potranca is the first showing of his work in San Miguel de Allende.
Come to our monthly pop-up event which we call FINAL FRIDAY on November 29, with a wine & cheese reception from 5:00p.m. to 8:00p.m., or certainly visit during regular gallery hours 11:00a.m. - 4:00p.m. every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
More information: Galeria Potranca, Potranca 4, Guadiana, 415 117 2923.
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