Esperanza Cortés:
Tierra Dentro

Esperanza Cortés is a Colombian born multidisciplinary artist based in New York City. Cortes’s passion for the mosaic of the Americas, its folk art traditions, rituals, music, dance and their ever evolving changes are at the core of her sculptures, paintings, installations, site-specific projects and interventions. Her artwork examines the extent to which a consciousness, national or personal, defines itself through the opposing force of a transcultural experience. The work is poetically and intricately crafted to encourage the viewer to reconsider social and historical narratives especially when dealing with Colonialism and raises critical questions about the politics of erasure and exclusion.

PUBLIC PROGRAMS:

March 23, 2023, 5:30pm: Artist Talk by Esperanza Cortés

(Click here to view the recording.)

Gather with us in our gallery space to hear exhibiting artist, Esperanza Cortés, speak about Tierra Dentro on Thursday, March 23, at 5:30pm. This multifaceted exhibit is rich with layered meanings and visual symbolism, pulling together personal narratives, cultural touchstones, and a compelling and thought-provoking examination of the enduring impacts of colonialism in Colombia. Esperanza is an internationally recognized artist and recipient of awards such as the John Simon Guggenheim Grant and the Robert Rauschenberg Fellowship. We are honored to host this event and hope you will join us to enjoy the unparalleled insights Esperanza offers into her work. Light refreshments and beverages will be provided.

March 24, 2023, 10am-12pm: Symbols of LOVE Workshop

Following her artist talk on Thursday, March 23, Esperanza Cortés will lead a ceramic workshop at The Current, demonstrating the techniques used to create the intricate flowers and designs that grace her work. Steeped in personal and cultural significance, the hand-building techniques that Esperanza will demonstrate in this workshop were passed down to her directly from her Colombian mother. Guided by Esperanza, participants will create their own sculptural art pieces, which will be kiln-fired and available for pick-up within one week of the workshop. Online registration. 

March 25, 2023, 10am-12pm: Beaded Embellishments Workshop

Multi-media artist Shannon O’Connell guides participants in creating beaded patches and pins in this family-friendly workshop. Explore the intricate beadwork of Tierra Dentro before designing and creating your own beaded embroidery pieces. In this workshop, O’Connell will demonstrate various beaded embroidery techniques as well as tips and tricks for backing and securely attaching your embellished artwork.

Open to participants aged 7 and up. Come by yourself, with friends, or family. Any children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a participating adult. Online registration.

March 25, 2023, 2pm-4pm: Remembrance Bracelets Workshop

Explore themes of identity and memory in Tierra Dentro by creating your own wearable artwork. Guided by Teaching Artist, Shannon O’Connell, participants will design and create multi-strand necklaces or bracelets. Through the combination of colors, textures, and weaving techniques, each participant will create a unique piece of art that speaks to their personal narrative.

Open to participants aged 7 and up. Any children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a participating adult. Online registration.

March 21-23, 2023: Stowe Elementary School Residency

Prior to her artist talk, Cortés will spend March 21 - March 23 at Stowe Elementary School as artist-in-residence. By sharing her artistic practice and professional dance experience, students will learn about the history of clave dance, percussion & rhythm, and the traditional music of Merengue, Cumbia, and Salsa. Students will have an opportunity to perform with each other using percussive eggs and scarves provided by Cortés.