Dama Gallery is pleased to present a solo exhibition of work by Mexican Artist Alonso Yañez titled Quiet Spectacle.   

Alonso Yañez, an emerging figure in the Queer art scene from Mexico City, brings a richness of experiences and expressions to the canvas. As a participant in the Art Gallery Studios online artist residency program INCUBATOR, Yañez is gearing up for a significant moment in his career. His solo feature “Quiet Spectacle” and participation in the group exhibition “Pink Tide” at Dama Gallery in Ventura, CA, mark pivotal points in his journey. Additionally, Yañez will be featured in the summer Pride show with The Studio Door, showcasing the expansive reach of his work.

In a recent conversation, Yañez shared insights into his life as a queer artist in Mexico City, his creative processes, and the conceptual underpinnings of his artwork. “The city’s intensity can be stifling with its heat and bustling activity, but it also fuels my creativity,” he remarked, highlighting how his urban environment is woven into his narrative palette. Yañez’s journey through the visual arts has been characterized by a rich blending of media, with a significant focus on painting and photography.

Discussing his upcoming solo exhibition, Yañez explained the process for his works. “It’s about capturing the essence of queer experiences through a combination of paintings and photographs,” he stated. This dual approach allows him to provide accessible entry points for new collectors through photographs while offering deeper, more intricate explorations in his paintings. His works often feature symbolic elements like the zipper-mouthed figures, reflecting on themes of silence and expression within the queer community.

The intricacies of preparing for an international online show were not lost on Yañez, who appreciates the platform’s ability to reach a global audience. “Artsy allows for an international dialogue around my work, which is crucial for understanding the diverse narratives within the queer community globally,” he noted. This aspect is vital for Yañez, whose work explores personal identity and broader social dynamics.

Yañez also discussed his participation in the “Pink Tide” group exhibition and how it aligns with his goals for broader visibility and engagement. “Each show and every piece is a narrative thread that connects back to my community and personal history,” he said, emphasizing the importance of visibility and representation for queer artists. The collaboration with The Studio Door for the Pride show further amplifies this reach, allowing Yañez more profound to engage with a wider, possibly more diverse audience.

Alonso Yañez’s perspective as a queer artist in the dynamic yet often restrictive social landscape of Mexico City brings a nuanced complexity to his work. His artistic endeavors act as a conduit through which he navigates and transforms traditionally closed spaces into platforms of expression and visibility. “Each canvas, each photograph I craft, carries the weight and the whisper of untold stories, pushing against the boundaries set by conventional narratives,” Yañez articulated. This endeavor is about personal liberation and fostering a broader cultural dialogue that invites understanding and acceptance.

In his art, Yañez intertwines the personal with the universal, painting scenes that delve deeply into the core of identity and experience. His works are visual narratives that draw upon his own life and the collective knowledge of the LGBTQ+ community, creating a resonant tapestry that speaks to the shared struggles and triumphs. “Through my art, I aim to create a bridge between isolated experiences and communal recognition, making the invisible visible and the unspoken loudly heard,” he explained. This act of revelation is both a challenge to societal norms and an invitation to reexamine preconceived notions about gender, sexuality, and identity.

Furthermore, Yañez’s commitment to using his art as a tool for social change is evident in carefully selecting themes and symbols that populate his pieces. Each element is meticulously chosen to provoke thought and empathy, whether the poignant imagery of zipper-mouthed figures or the subtle interplay of shadows and light that dance across his canvases. “My goal is to not only reflect the reality of queer lives but to enrich the viewer’s understanding of what it means to live them,” Yañez reflected. Through his art, he offers a window into a world often sidelined, urging a dialogue that transcends the visual to achieve a more profound societal impact.

The significance of his residency at Art Gallery Studios cannot be understated. It has provided him with a supportive network and valuable exposure, essential for any artist looking to make their mark. “The residency has been a transformative experience, enabling me to refine my artistic voice and connect with other queer artists facing similar challenges,” Yañez shared.

As Yañez prepares for his upcoming exhibitions, he remains focused on the impact of his work. His pieces are not just artworks but are conversation starters designed to engage, provoke thought, and inspire change. For those interested in the depth and breadth of queer artistic expression, Alonso Yañez’s upcoming shows are not to be missed.

Listeners and viewers can delve deeper into Yañez’s thoughts and creative world through the upcoming podcast by The Bureau of Queer Art, where he will further discuss his processes, inspirations, and the challenges he navigates as a queer artist. This platform will offer an intimate look at his artistic journey and the powerful narratives he weaves through his art.

ARTIST

Alonso is an artist from Mexico City. An avid reader of fiction he is interested in exploring ways to tell stories through images and translate emotion into color.

Artwork details and collector inquiries are available on ARTSY, click below.

DOWNLOAD ARTWORK CHECKLIST (PDF)

SOLO FEATURE

May 18 - August 18, 2024

GALLERY DATES

PINK TIDE, June 1 - August 3, 2024

LOCATION

1793 E Main Street, Ventura CA 93001

OPENING RECEPTION

June 1 , 2024 6-8p

GALLERY HOURS

Saturdays 12-3P

Weekdays By Appointment