Location: 

266 West 37th Street, New York, NY, 10018

 

Dates: August 11th - September 1st, 2023

Opening Reception: August 11th,  7-9 p.m.

Zine and Print Sale: August 20th, 4-8 p.m.
Closing Reception: September 1st, 7-9 p.m.

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Curated by Rafael Cuellar-Andrade and Veneranda Aguirre

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“When it comes to hope, if we want to build a better world, we can't ignore the things that are causing us internal friction. The only way forward is to confront that which causes us discomfort.” –Cody Folta, featured artist

 

ChaShaMa presents the inaugural exhibition by Elpis Group, Elpidofóra Topía (Hopeful Landscapes), featuring 12 new works by seven artists. The exhibit engages with the radical idea of grounded hope in a time when the artists and viewers alike must contend with oppressive political, ecological, and personal truths in everyday life. The exhibition draws its title from the Greek myth of Pandora’s vessel, which, when opened, released all manner of destruction upon humankind, saving and excepting one last object: Elpis, the Greek spirit of hope. 

 

The show’s artists consider their own relationships to isolation, anxiety, neurodiversity, chronic illness, and identity to create works that take stock of a realistic future of connection, healing, pleasure, and communal understanding. On view will be three new paintings, two sculptures, two video installations, four mixed media installations and one woodcut print on the central theme of hope. 

 

The opening reception will feature the premier of “Night Horse”, a music video by Tina Hanae from her upcoming album “EcoGospel.”

 

Cody Folta envisions a world rooted in care, slowness, and ethical technology, where humans are liberated from greed and environmental disaster. Veneranda Aguirre challenges rational thinking and explores the entwinement of observable science and intuition, questioning whose observations shape "truth." Vanessa Barros-Andrade uses text and found objects to challenge embedded beliefs and question the notion of value. Mike Citrola sources optimism in simple indulgences, rejecting discomfort and emphasizing immediate contentment. Marysol Galvan Pelayo explores the energetic connectivity between living beings and nature through fractals. Tina Hanae combines music and biomimicry to redesign soundscapes, aiming for healing and harmony with ecology. Fernanda Uribe-Horta's clay artworks beautifully capture the essence of life's ongoing cycle and the transformative power of earthly materials.

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Since 1995, Chashama has partnered with property owners to transform unused real estate for 30,000 artists and over 150 small businesses, hosted 4,000 public art events, provided 1,500 classes in underserved communities, and reached audiences of nearly a million.

 

Elpis Group is a New York based collective that provides a thriving space for artists to find solace and embrace the power of hope. Founded by Rafael Cuellar-Andrade and Veneranda Aguirre, we bridge the gap between artists and audiences, offering visibility and support. We empower artists by recognizing their unique perspectives and providing a platform for their voices. Through curated exhibitions, we create a nurturing environment where artists connect with a diverse audience and focus on their craft. We understand the challenges artists face and offer operational support, freeing them to create meaningful work. With a commitment to hope and resilience, we contribute to a future where artists thrive, creativity flourishes, and hope illuminates the art world and beyond.

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For inquiries contact:

Rafael Cuellar-Andrade  ||  (619) 646-2719‬  ||  elpisgroup.art@gmail.com