Credit: Francisco Berlanga, The Sun has done its part, 2022, glass beads, fabric, embroidery thread, paper, and sunlight.
Thursday Artist Talk: Francisco Berlanga, “Material Miracle of Craft”
Learn about the miraculous histories behind traditional handcrafts
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Free
Berlanga’s art practice reflects upon his relationship to his Mexican identity as a second-generation immigrant through the lens of traditional crafts including weaving, embroidery, and beading. Berlanga will discuss how the process of craft-making can be transformative, even becoming a miraculous one.
The Miracle in Catholic narratives in Mexico relate to the story of Guadalupe whose roses stain a cloak with an icon of the Blessed Mary. Textiles can take on miraculous characteristics, and Berlanga will share how this offers new understandings into handcrafts.
About the Artist
Francisco Berlanga is a contemporary artist engaged in the creation of traditional Mexican “manualidades” or crafts. Berlanga’s practice is based on questioning identity, particularly his connection with his Mexican culture, and how one can inhabit a culture while being partially absent from it. He is currently studying his MFA at the University of British Columbia.
About Surrey Art Gallery Association
Surrey Art Gallery Association (SAGA) is a non-profit society that offers its members the opportunity to participate in and respond to contemporary art and be part of a community that actively supports Surrey Art Gallery.