Critical Conversations: bridging pathways forward to greater understanding and creative solutions.

Foundations Lab Art + Science Series: Transformation by Gabriela Galván

October 29, 2024 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Online and Foundations Lab (Main 401)

Register
This image depicts an immersive exhibition space that integrates natural and digital elements. The environment is designed with greenery, including potted plants and ferns, and features a raised wooden walkway that invites exploration. On the left side, a wall with vertical plant installations creates a living wall, blending organic growth with the structured backdrop. In the center, a digital screen displays a nature-related visual, enhancing the connection between the natural and technological realms. Hanging planters and branches with foliage are suspended from the ceiling, creating a floating garden effect. The background contains images, including close-up photography of organic materials and a human face, adding a conceptual layer that seems to explore the intersection of nature and human influence. The lighting is subtle, spotlighting certain areas to create a focused, immersive atmosphere, while the overall palette relies on shades of green, brown, and neutral tones to maintain an earthy, grounded ambiance.
Gabriela Galván Mod̶thern̶ Nature, 2023 Site-specific installation at Arte Abierto and the amphitheater of Artz Pedregal. Mexico City, 2023

We are thrilled to announce our Foundations Lab Art + Science Series Talk of this fall: Transformation by Gabriela Galván.

This is a hybrid talk. Please join us on Tuesday, October 29 from 12pm – 1pm in the Foundations Lab (Main 401) or online via Zoom as artist Gabriela Galván discusses a selection of projects working with the concept of transformation through her practice. Come explore with us!

Please RSVP to join this event in person (Foundations Lab capacity is 35).

RSVP here to join us online via Zoom.

We look forward to seeing you in the lab!

++++

Transformation is a concept that Gabriela Galván investigates through her work. Galván is interested in exploring temporality, interdisciplinary processes, sensory experiences, research-based projects, and the use of crossing boundaries between different mediums. Working in deep connection with diverse contexts including the natural world, and with multicultural and multigenerational audiences, Galván is currently focused on exploring time, and developing a body of work in relationship with live flowers and plants.

This image shows a person standing confidently outdoors in front of a blurred, modern, urban background, likely a building with reflective glass surfaces. The individual has long, dark, wavy hair, partially pulled back. They are dressed in a bold, colorful outfit, consisting of a wide-sleeved, oversized shirt with vibrant green, white, blue, and red patterns. A patterned red and white scarf is tied around their neck, adding a pop of contrast and visual interest to the ensemble. The person’s expression is calm and composed, with a direct gaze at the camera. The overall aesthetic of the outfit is artistic and fashion-forward, suggesting the person may be involved in creative fields, possibly art, fashion, or design. The lighting is natural and soft, highlighting their presence against the background while keeping the focus on their unique style and expression.
Gabriela Galván portrait by Julian Salinas

Gabriela Galván (b. Mexico City) is an interdisciplinary artist working across installation, sculpture, drawing, video, performance and design. Her work centers on the concept of transformation.

Galván’s work has been exhibited in the United States, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland, India, Japan, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, including institutions such as Museo Nacional de Arte Reina Sofía (ESP) and Zacheta National Gallery (PL). In Mexico she has exhibited at Museo Tamayo, and Museo de la Ciudad de México (in collaboration with the Centre George Pompidou) among others. She has been resident at Atelier Mondial (CH), International Studio & Curatorial Program (US), Art OMI (US), Casa Wabi (MX), among others. Her public project Aquatic Random commissioned by The New York City Department Transportation (DOT) in Partnership with the International Studio and Curatorial Program (ISCP) was shown at the Richmond Terrace at the Staten Island Ferry Terminal in New York.

Galván has combined her art practice with art education as a guest lecturer at the FHNW Academy of Art and Design in Basel (CH), Fashion Institute of Technology (US), Research Foundation of CUNY (US) and the Academy of Fine Arts in Poznan ( PL) among others.

She lives and works in New York.

Image credits:
Photo by Silvio Balladares. Courtesy of Arte Abierto
Partial view of Mod̶thern̶ Nature at Arte Abierto. Mexico City, 2023