Part of ***Photo Structure / Foto Estructura*** (2018-2019) by © Alejandro Cartagena

Written by: Meighan Ashford

Traces of Existence “Huellas de Existencia” | Griffin Museum of Photography

THE ARTISTS: Alejandro Cartagena, Muriel Hasbun, Ilena Doble Hernandez, Rodrigo Valenzuela, and Alejandro Morales.

April 6 – June 9, 2024

Reception for the Artists – April 20, 2024 6 - 8 pm

Expertly curated to encourage reflection and discussion, "Huellas de Existencia | Traces of Existence" is an immersive investigation of human existence and memory. This exhibition, which features pieces by Alejandro Cartagena, Muriel Hasbun, Alejandro Luperca Morales, Rodrigo Valenzuela, and Ileana Doble Hernandez opens viewers' eyes to the intricacies of life and the imprints we leave behind while transcending conventional artistic boundaries.

The exhibition features a moving and thought-provoking contribution from Alejandro Cartagena. Cartagena invites spectators to ponder the relevance of these seemingly trivial photos by delving into his investigation of abandoned photos discovered outside of Mexico City. Through repurposing these abandoned items, Cartagena challenges us to consider the nature of memory and how our cultural and personal histories are ingrained in the earth.

In her work, Muriel Hasbun also explores issues of memory, migration, and cultural identity. Hasbun creates stories that pose fresh queries regarding location and identity by utilizing historical and personal archives. Her images are a potent reminder of the storytelling's eternal power and the value of safeguarding our cultural legacy for coming generations.

Part of ***Pulse: New Cultural Registers / Pulso: Nuevos registros culturales*** (2020) by © Muriel Hasbun

Alejandro Luperca Morales's paintings provide a glimpse into the soul by brilliantly expressing the core of human emotion. Morales builds immersive worlds that entice viewers to delve into the depths of the human psyche through his daring use of color and texture.

With his provocative examination of identity, labor, and the immigrant experience, Rodrigo Valenzuela's work adds yet another level of complexity to the show. Viewers are invited to consider the social and economic factors that influence our lives and how we navigate the outside world through Valenzuela's photographs and video installations.

Part of ***New Lands | Nuevas Tierras*** by © Rodrigo Valenzuela

Lastly, a compelling examination of memory, trauma, and resilience can be found in Ileana Doble Hernandez's contributions to the show. Hernandez offers glimpses of healing and hope while confronting viewers with the brutal reality of violence and displacement in her mixed-media works.

**DOMINATION** from the series ***Pollage*** (2020) by © Ileana Doble Hernández

"Huellas de Existencia | Traces of Existence" is unique because of its capacity to promote decolonial visual representations and transnational discourse. The exhibition acts as a rallying cry for social justice and representation in the art world and society by questioning erasure, invisibility, and established canons.

The stories told by each artist's creations moved me to tears as I made my way through the exhibition. "Huellas de Existencia | Traces of Existence" presents an extensive and profoundly varied tapestry of the human experience, ranging from the eerie photographs of Cartagena to the poignant narratives of Hasbun and the evocative paintings of Morales.

"Huellas de Existencia | Traces of Existence" is on display from April 6 - June 9, and, in the end, a triumph of artistic vision and social criticism. We are invited to consider our own life journey and the lasting imprints we leave behind by Cartagena, Hasbun, Morales, Valenzuela, and Hernandez through their respective media. The ability of art to elicit meaningful thoughts, motivate transformation, and establish connections beyond temporal and spatial boundaries is demonstrated by this exhibition.