Nov 1-3, 2024
BYWARD MARKET, OTTAWA, ON, CANADA
EXHIBITS 2024 AT THE BYWARD MARKET IN OTTAWA
INDOOR EXHIBITS AT GALLERY 55
Name of exhibition: Roots and Traditions.
Presented by: Mexican Artist Rino
Description:
The Roots and Traditions exhibition by the Mexican Artist Rino is in honor of legendary ancestors and the evolutionary magic of traditions that were enriched over the years; nurturing and showing the Mexican culture to the world.
The Roots and Traditions exhibition is a journey into various Mexican cultural traditions, fables and legends. Through Rino’s artistic compositions, the public will journey through various Day of the Dead traditions such as the “calaveritas” skull characters, the underworld and its lord Mictlantecuhtli, and the “alebrijes” spirit animals. The journey takes the public through ancestral roots with legends of the mystical Aluxes from the Mayan culture, and through the influence of nature and beliefs and its relevance to present day life.
The Roots and Traditions exhibition brings the public back to the roots of Mexican art techniques such as the popular art “cartoneria” technique (using papier-maché, cardboard, and paste); traditional clay modelling, and the use of natural elements such as recycling wood, roots, trunks, and branches.
Mexican Artist Rino is internationally renowned for the two monumental-size wooden sculptures he produced in Playa del Carmen, Mexico: "Goddess AïA " (15 meters/ located in hotel Palmaïa - The House of AïA /2020) and “Xi'Paal Kaab” (8 meters/ located in hotel Sandos Caracol / 2023). He also founded the company RADICAL DESIGN & ENTERTAINMENT in 2013 which provides scenography solutions to internationally renowned clients such as Nickelodeon, Cirque du Soleil, Xcaret, CID Presents (for Dave Matthews and Luke Bryan concerts), and various hotels in the Caribbean.
OUTDOOR EXHIBITS AT THE BYWARD MARKET
Name of exhibition: A Veterans Journey
Presented by: The Day of the Dead Festival artistic committee.
Description:
Every year the Day of the Dead Festival pays tribute to a specific person or group of people. This year the festival will be dedicated to honor all soldiers around the world who have lost their lives in the pursuit of freedom.
Name of exhibition: Fields of Sacrifice
Presented by: Latin American Soldiers Committee
Description:
The exhibition tells the story of contributions the Latin American did voluntarily when joining the Canadian Armed Forces during the First and Second World War as well other Wars and operations.
The Committee recounts the experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today—so that all Canadians with Latin American roots generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn.
Location:
Corner of William and George Street ByWard Market Ottawa
Name of the exhibit: “Luciano”
Presented by: Victoria Duran Owner of Mexxi_Arts
Description: With a passionate dedication to the art of piñatas, Victoria Duran has found her true calling in the creative world. Through her company Mexxi_Arts, she has managed to merge inspiration and originality in each of her works, standing out for an innovative and authentic approach in the artistic field. Her unique vision is reflected in creative collaborations and community projects, where she generously shares her passion and supports other artists on their journey.
In her artistic journey, the discovery of traditional cartonería art in Mexico became a fundamental turning point. This encounter inspired her to bring "Luciano" to life, an impressive work of art that celebrates life, memory, and the rich Mexican cultural heritage. Through this piece, Victoria transcends the visual to connect on an emotional and meaningful level with ancestral roots, demonstrating the transformative power of creativity.
With her positive influence and unwavering commitment to artistic expression, Victoria Duran and Mexxi_Arts stand as beacons of inspiration for art lovers, showing how creativity can unite people in a deep and enriching bond. Moreover, her growth as an artist adds an additional layer of depth to her work and projects her as an endless source of inspiration for Mexican art and beyond. An exceptional artist in constant evolution!
Location:
Entrance of the Ottawa School of Art
Downtown Campus
35 George Street
Ottawa, ON
K1N 8W5
Name of the exhibition: Abuelito Teo and Mama Leva
Presented by: Mexican Artist Rino
Collaborators: The students of the fine art diploma program of the Ottawa School of Art, downtown campus and the artistic committee of the Day of the Dead Festival
Description:
In harmony with the Day of the Dead tradition of honoring dead ancestors, Mexican Artist Rino celebrates the memory of his grandparents, Abuelito Teo and Mama Leva, who dedicated part of their lives as farmers in El Barrio de la Soledad, Oaxaca. Many regions of Mexico celebrate November 2nd as both the Day of the Dead festivities and as an agricultural holiday since it coincides with the end of the agricultural cycle for many products, including seasonal corn and pumpkin. The Farming Couple skeleton sculptures is a tribute to both celebrations and underlines the overall importance of agricultural work in our society.
The sculptures are Rino’s own artistic and cartoonist composition inspired by the style and aesthetics of the “calaveritas” skull characters from the renowned Mexican artist and illustrator, Jose Guadalupe Posada. Rino used traditional Mexican popular art “cartoneria” technique (using papier-maché, cardboard, and paste) to produce the sculptures.
Mexican Artist Rino is internationally renowned for the two monumental-size wooden sculptures he produced in Playa del Carmen, Mexico: "Goddess AïA " (15 meters/ located in hotel Palmaïa - The House of AïA /2020) and “Xi'Paal Kaab” (8 meters/ located in hotel Sandos Caracol / 2023). He also founded the company RADICAL DESIGN & ENTERTAINMENT in 2013 which provides scenography solutions to internationally renowned clients such as Nickelodeon, Cirque du Soleil, Xcaret, CID Presents (for Dave Matthews and Luke Bryan concerts), and various hotels in the Caribbean.
Location:
William Street in front of Rideau Centre
ByWard Market Ottawa
Name of the exhibit: Giant Sugar Skull Exhibition
Presented by: The Day of the Dead Festival Arts Committee in collaborations with the students of the fine art diploma program of the Ottawa School of Art, downtown campus.
Description: Inspired in the journey that the souls of the deceased follow to get to the underworld and arrive victorious at Mictlán, the final destination. Base on the Aztec mythology.
