By Alison Wattie//
October hails the official arrival of the fall/winter season in Merida, and with it comes a collective sigh of relief from the heat and lethargy of summer. It’s also the month where cultural happenings begin in earnest, and top of that list is the highly anticipated re-opening of Centro Cultural La Cúpula.
This landmark in the heart of Centro Histórico opened its doors to critical acclaim in December 2015, and just as artists grow and evolve, so too has the multidisciplinary Centro Cultural La Cúpula. On Tuesday October 16th, La Cúpula welcomes Meridanos and visitors with a new look, new galleries and a myriad of opportunities to experience art.
“From the beginning”, shares founder Leïla Voight, “we had a vision that La Cúpula would become part of the fabric of Merida; a vibrant growing city where people come from all over the world to make their home. For me, the appreciation and enjoyment of contemporary art, in all its creative forms, is an important part of connecting with a city and building a life in that city. We want Centro Cultural La Cúpula to provide those experiences to both visitors and residents alike.”
To launch the season, artist David Serrano will mount an exhibition of acrylic drawings in the newly inaugurated ‘White Space’, with a show entitled “Predictions and Sortileges”. Originally from Mexicali, David matured as an artist in LA, and has now moved permanently to Merida. A consummate storyteller, he takes us on a journey into the eternal magic of the telling of fortune.
For color photos of David Serrano and his work, check out the print edition of Mid-Point Edition #18 available at locations throughout Merida and Progreso.
In his own words, David tells us that “for good or bad, the need to know what the future holds is a story not many of us can resist. There will always be someone who believes they can read the signals of what is to come, and there will always be those with the faith to believe in what they hear.”
As part of its evolution, La Cúpula will showcase two additional galleries within its iconic space. From November 24th to January 12th, American artist Randy Shull will exhibit at ‘Arte Contemporáneo’, a gallery dedicated to painting, sculpture and furniture. The smaller ‘Espacio Experimental’ will open December 7th with an installation by Artist-in-Residence, Paulina Denti. This experimental space will be dedicated to young and emerging artists from around the world.
Providing artists with the opportunity to create in an environment different than their own studios remains an integral function of La Cúpula. The year-round residency program gives artists from ESAY (Escuela Superior de Artes de Yucatán) the place and time to discover and learn about Mexican (and more specifically Mayan) culture. On special occasions such as La Noche Blanca and the Merida English Library Artist Studio Tour, artists will open their studios to the public. This fall, La Cúpula, together with ESAY, welcomes Pauline Denti from Argentina/France, and Eva Möseneder from Austria. Samuel D’Ippolito from Belgium will be in residence in spring 2019.
The main focus at La Cúpula is visual arts, but the centre also promotes music, dance, films, conferences, and theater. La Cúpula has established links with local authorities to participate in festivals and events such as FILUX (International Festival of Lights), Noche Blanca and FICMaya (International Festival of Mayan Culture). Private associations have worked in concert with La Cúpula to co-promote events such as the Cressida Dance Festival, Tango Festival and La Rendija Theater Festival.
Building and nurturing strong ties to the creative community in Merida is paramount to Leïla Voight’s mission.
“Together with the different curators invited to La Cúpula, we strive to open minds to the world of contemporary art; to entice, beguile, captivate and engage our visitors so that time and again, they come back to experience art at La Cúpula.”
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Centro Cultural la Cúpula
Address: Calle 54 No. 407 x 41 y 43 Centro
Hours: Monday through Thursday 3 to 8 pm.; Friday 3 to 7 pm.
Contact: info@lacupulamerida.org
Event Info at: facebook.com/lacupulamerida
