ExhibitionApril 4, 2022
Encaustic by Paz Lira
The Centro Cultural Montecarmelo presents the exhibition "Encaustica" by Paz Lira until May 28, located in a neighborhood of Santiago de Chile in an old mansion of the nineteenth century - with a classic neocolonial structure characteristic of the time - was initially the Monastery of the Carmelite Nuns of Santa Teresa. Today, the space houses and disseminates various artistic expressions that continue to nurture its histories, such as visual arts exhibitions, plays, workshops, and musical billboards.
Paz Lira appropriates one of the most relevant places in Montecarmelo, the Chapel Hall (which is currently dedicated to housing the work of Chilean artists of great trajectory), to present her most recent work, "Encaustic." A large stained-glass window eight meters high, made from 750 blocks of beeswax that complete and decorate the pointed arch of the chapel, was built in 1896.
The encaustic technique inspired Paz Lira, a two-dimensional painting technique used since ancient times, characterized by using beeswax as a binder for natural pigments. The artist reused the wax from the 450 honeycombs used in her renowned exhibition "Transparencia Sonora," melting the bee product and mixing it with kerosene to create 20 x 20 cm blocks of varying shades of white, yellow, and brown.
This stained-glass window filters a significant amount of light that colors the consecrated space with the traditional colors used by the Carmelite nuns, a symbol of austerity and humility. With the silence and sacredness that characterize this place in the cultural center, Paz Lira's work dialogues with the chapel, restoring its religiousness and giving it a new meaning.
"Encaustic" also reflects on the ecosystem and the role of bees and human beings in its precious balance.
Visiting hours are from Monday to Friday, between 10:00 and 19:30 hours, and Saturdays, between 10:00 and 17:30 hours.
Paz Lira appropriates one of the most relevant places in Montecarmelo, the Chapel Hall (which is currently dedicated to housing the work of Chilean artists of great trajectory), to present her most recent work, "Encaustic." A large stained-glass window eight meters high, made from 750 blocks of beeswax that complete and decorate the pointed arch of the chapel, was built in 1896.
The encaustic technique inspired Paz Lira, a two-dimensional painting technique used since ancient times, characterized by using beeswax as a binder for natural pigments. The artist reused the wax from the 450 honeycombs used in her renowned exhibition "Transparencia Sonora," melting the bee product and mixing it with kerosene to create 20 x 20 cm blocks of varying shades of white, yellow, and brown.
This stained-glass window filters a significant amount of light that colors the consecrated space with the traditional colors used by the Carmelite nuns, a symbol of austerity and humility. With the silence and sacredness that characterize this place in the cultural center, Paz Lira's work dialogues with the chapel, restoring its religiousness and giving it a new meaning.
"Encaustic" also reflects on the ecosystem and the role of bees and human beings in its precious balance.
Visiting hours are from Monday to Friday, between 10:00 and 19:30 hours, and Saturdays, between 10:00 and 17:30 hours.
