Experimental mixed-media artist Aida Tejada opens her latest exhibit “Urban Layers” at BIG ARTS. Urban Layers features a new body of work by Tejada, in which she explores the circular dynamic created between our everyday acts, the consequences and the “justified indifference” to facts. The exhibition features a series of photo collages that are transferred by hand onto several layers of acrylic “skins” and paper, transforming these mundane observations into an artifact of everyday life. “Urban Layers” is on display in the Dunham Family Gallery through April 25. You can also experience the show from the comfort of your own home by visiting bigarts.org, where you can take a virtual stroll through a high-definition 3D rendering of the gallery.
A native of the Dominican Republic, Aida Tejada spent half her life experiencing diverse cultures. The fact that she earned a degree in psychology and communication adds intellectual substance to her visual vocabulary. While she is well versed in traditional photography, her artistic inclination from the start has been experimental. She uses various alternative photographic processes and hands-on photo-transfer techniques to create her work.
“I will present the latest project I’ve been working on during the last five years,” said Aida. “I would like to see people taking an introspective look at their own inner thoughts, specifically the role we give ourselves to navigate our “civilized” urban landscapes.”
Aida is currently exploring acrylic skin as her primary medium, creating images from scratch, adding multiple layers of texture that enrich the already present histories of transferred photos. Additional treatment with drawing or painting techniques contributes to transforming each work into a one-of-a-kind piece. Seeking alternative perspectives to reality, Aida makes the subject irrelevant. She transforms the ordinary into an aesthetic statement. She views the world with a heightened sense of emotion and empathy, creating poetic narratives.
You can view Aida Tejada’s “Urban Layers” exhibit between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Masks are required and there is a 25-person limit in the gallery. BIG ARTS is located at 900 Dunlop Road. For more information, please call the box office at 239-395-0900 or visit bigarts.org.
ABOUT BIG ARTS
BIG ARTS, established in 1979, is a nonprofit organization devoted to providing quality artistic, cultural and educational experiences to Sanibel and Captiva residents and visitors. Visit www.BIGARTS.org to learn more about our 2021 Season, and don’t forget to visit us on Facebook!
BIG ARTS is practicing the highest standards of safety during this challenging time. All visitors are required to wear masks throughout the facility. Please be sure to put on your mask before entering the building. We ask that you are mindful of physical distancing. With physical distancing precautions in mind, BIG ARTS is selling only 50% of the seats in Christensen Performance Hall. Until further notice, only 200 seats will be available for any event in the Hall, and a maximum of 25 people will be allowed in the gallery at any given time. BIG ARTS has enhanced its air filtration system, all surfaces are wiped down between use, a professional sanitation fogger is being used after each gathering, and there are hand sanitation “stations” throughout the ground floor.
