Nuestro Sueños / Our Dreams Curated by Roberto Torres Mata
Exhibition Dates: October 21 – November 29, 2024

Reception: Thursday, November 14, 2024, 5:30-7:30p, also celebrating Queering Rural Spaces by Sarah Stellino

at the Sauk Prairie River Arts Center (105-9th Street, Prairie du Sac)

“Nuestro Sueños / Our Dreams is a vibrant and multifaceted exhibition that celebrates the rich tapestry of Latin American artists in Wisconsin. Through a diverse array of mediums including printmaking, painting, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media, this collective of artists comes together to explore themes deeply rooted in the Latin American experience.

At the heart of the exhibition lies a profound reflection on colonialism and its enduring legacy. Through their art, the artists delve into the complex interplay of power dynamics, cultural hybridity, and resistance that characterize the colonial experience in Latin America. They confront historical injustices and challenge dominant narratives, offering nuanced perspectives that speak to the ongoing struggle for decolonization and liberation.

Central to the exhibition is an exploration of identity within the Latin American sphere. Drawing from their diverse cultural backgrounds and personal experiences, the artists grapple with questions of heritage, belonging, and diaspora. They celebrate the richness and diversity of Latin American cultures while interrogating the complexities of cultural identity in an increasingly globalized world.

Furthermore, the exhibition serves as a powerful platform for addressing contemporary social issues that continue to shape Latin American communities. Through their art, the artists confront issues such as inequality, migration, environmental degradation, and social justice, shedding light on the pressing challenges facing Latinx individuals today. Their work serves as a call to action, inspiring viewers to critically engage with these issues and work towards positive change.

Ultimately, Nuestro Sueños / Our Dreams is more than just an exhibition; it is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and collective spirit of Latin American artists in Wisconsin. It celebrates their voices, stories, and dreams, inviting viewers to join in a journey of exploration, reflection, and solidarity. Through art, the artists offer a glimpse into the beauty, complexity, and enduring spirit of the Latin American community, inviting viewers to join in the conversation and envision a more just and inclusive future.”

Artist Bio: Roberto Torres Mata, a native of Huntington Beach, California, now residing in Madison Wisconsin, is a multidisciplinary artist whose work delves into the profound issues surrounding migration in the Americas and beyond. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Madison-Wisconsin.

Torres Mata’s impactful artworks have garnered recognition and have been showcased in prestigious institutions, including exhibitions at the Metropolitan Art Museum, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Chazen Art Museum, and Antigua Academia De San Carlos. His compelling artistic expressions have resonated with diverse audiences, leading to the acquisition of his pieces by universities, museums, and private collectors.

Throughout his academic journey, Torres Mata has received notable achivements, including the Graduate Research Scholars award and the esteemed Chazen Prize. Currently, he recently received the Laguna Arts Prize, an honor that affords him the opportunity to exhibit his work at the Arsenale in Venice, Italy.

Learn more about the curator:

https://www.robertotorresmata.com

@santomatapress

Important Gallery information:

-The River Arts Center Gallery is located at 105 9th St, Prairie du Sac, WI (adjacent to Sauk Prairie High School). Enter through doors E-7, the Garden Entrance, which is located down a sidewalk to the right of the River Arts Center main doors.

Special Hours: 8am-4pm Monday-Friday and weekends during special events. Closed when Sauk Prairie Schools are closed. View calendar here.

Accessibility: Gallery is wheelchair accessible, including all doorways and restrooms

Tours: This exhibit is self-guided. Free docent-led tours are available by appointment for educational groups, non-profit organizations, and groups of 10 or more. Email [email protected] or call 608-643-5215 to schedule a tour for your group. *Must have at least 24 hours notice, subject to gallery and staff availability.