“Hybrid Resonance” Exhibition At Ashawagh Hall To Help Venezuelans

Venezuela is currently dealing with a political situation which, for millions of people, has led to instability, insecurity, a food crisis and humanitarian needs. For that reason, 13 local artists are coming together for “Hybrid Resonance” an exhibition and fundraising charity event for Venezuela running April 5 to 7 at Ashawagh Hall in Springs. Set around the hybrid nature and resonances of Latin-American art and culture, “Hybrid Resonance” is meant to be a celebration of Venezuelan culture.

United Nations figures indicate that three million people have left Venezuela since 2015. Extreme shortages of food and medicine in the country have particularly affected seniors and children. The goal of the show is to raise funds for food and medication for people in Venezuela as well as assistance to those who have sought refuge in Colombia.

The show is curated by Esperanza Leon and 40 percent of proceeds from “Hybrid Resonance” will be donated to selected charities currently providing aid to Venezuela and the refugees who have fled the country. They include Rescate Venezuela (rescatevenezuela.com), Alimenta la Solidaridad (alimentalasolidaridad.com) and International Rescue Committee (rescue.org/country/Venezuela).

“Having been born in Venezuela, although I was raised in East Hampton, I have maintained a close connection to my birth country,” said Ms. Leon in a statement. “I still have family and friends there. I have felt powerless witnessing the drastic decline, the nightmare that Venezuela is living. This is an opportunity to bring attention and make a small impact. I am certain our community will respond generously.”

The artists selected are all East End residents with a connection to Latin America, be it Brazil, Uruguay, or Colombia. They include Gustavo Bonevardi, Aner Candelario, Darlene Charneco, Nadine Daskaloff, Dinorah Delfin, Sara Mejia Kriendler, Walt Lindveld, Mago, Dalton Portella, Maria Schon, E. Osbaldo Segura, Aurelio Torres and Alex Vignoli. Three artists have ties to Venezuela.

A section of the exhibition will highlight Venezuela’s rich artistic and cultural heritage with selections of basketry from the Yekuana and Yanomami tribes, Pre-Columbian reproductions, folk art and other hand-crafted items made by Venezuelan artisans and designers, along with selected works by Venezuelan artists, the majority of whom are currently residing in Venezuela.

The show begins with a preview event featuring live music, food and drink all with a Venezuelan flavor on Friday April 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. with a donation of $20. On Saturday, April 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. the opening night event will include a raffle. On Sunday, April 7, at 11 a.m. Esperanza Leon will host a “Talk and Tour,” where she will discuss the current situation in Venezuela and share information about the artists she works with who are living through the crisis. Also on Sunday beginning at 2 p.m. will be family fun with a craft hour for children and Latin dancing with Natalia Poggi.

Exhibition hours are Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.