Magical / Realism Curated by PJ Gubatina Policarpio
Presented by Root Division
Blurring the boundaries between reality and the extraordinary, the works in this presentation integrate uncanny, dreamlike, and sometimes unsettling visions rooted in contemporary life. Informed by political anxieties and personal tragedies, these images reflect a flexible consciousness where the strange, supernatural and surreal are used to examine social issues such as labor, migration, ecological crisis, power and agency. These artists turn to symbolism and fantasy not as a means to move away from the reality of everyday life but as a way to engage with it more fully and vividly.
This presentation highlights the diverse practices of Root Division Studio Artists: B. Colleen, Edy Cahueque, Itzél Rios-Ellis, Leticia Javier, and Wally A. Corona. Root Division’s Studios Program is central to our mission of fostering creativity, community, and access to the arts. Designed as an accelerator for Bay Area emerging artists, we offer below market rate studio spaces in exchange for community service. Through their time in the program, Studio Artists receive valuable resources to sustain and elevate their art practice including professional and creative development opportunities, exhibition platforms, and connections to Root Division’s network of artists, curators, collectors, and cultural workers. Studio Artists come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, each bringing a unique perspective to the organization.
Learn more about Root Division: www.rootdivision.org
ARTISTS
B Colleen is a multimedia artist born in San Diego and living in Oakland, California. They hold a BA in Studio Art with an emphasis in painting from San Francisco State University. www.bcolleen.com/ @b__colleen
Edy Cahueque is a San Francisco-based artist who explores themes of identity, immigration, and experiences of marginalized communities. He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from San Francisco State University. www.edycahueque.com/ @edycahueque
Itzél Rios-Ellis is a Mexican-American artist based in San Francisco, California. She holds a BFA in Illustration from California College of the Arts. www.itzelriosellis.com/ @xinguitas
Leticia Javier is an artist and educator from Los Angeles, CA now based in Oakland. She earned a BFA in Painting and Drawing at California College of the Arts.
Wally A. Corona is a San Francisco-based visual artist of Mexican descent. He graduated with a BFA in Painting and Drawing from California College of the Arts. www.ballpointfury.com/ @ballpointfury