The Diplomat
The Embassy of Ecuador in Spain and the Museum of America yesterday inaugurated the exhibition Feminitas: three Ecuadorian views, which brings together works by three emblematic artists from that country: Jaime Zapata, Jorge Perugachy and Miguel Betancourt.
The exhibition, which can be visited until July 7, was inaugurated by the ambassador of Ecuador in Spain, Wilma Andrade, together with the director of the Museum, Andrés Gutiérrez; in the presence of the commissioner, Ludovica Cadario; and the culture attaché of the Embassy of Ecuador, Sabrina Guerra, who have coordinated the assembly of the exhibition.
The authorities expressed their satisfaction for making an inter-institutional project a reality, which not only disseminates the quality of Ecuadorian avant-garde art, but also places emphasis on the interpretation of femininity in the artistic field.
For the director of the Museum, the exhibition organized by Sabrina Guerra and Ludovica Cadario exemplifies the diversity of approaches and the quality of Ecuadorian painting: “In Zapata we see the beauty and sensuality of the female body. With Perugachy, we delve into indigenous traditions with which he shows us a dream sequence around women; and with Betancourt we explored an attractive fusion of color and styles.”
Ambassador Wilma Andrade assured that the exhibition not only invites us to appreciate the beauty and talent of Ecuadorian artists, but also to reflect on the fundamental role of women in history and in our current society: “May these works inspire us to continue fighting for gender equality and for a world where all women can reach their full potential,” she noted.
The ambassador also thanked Banco Pichincha for its patronage, praising its commitment to the dissemination of Ecuadorian art abroad. She also greeted the representatives of the other collaborating entities of the project: Proarte, Poligrafica, Sepla Ayuda, Envera, Art Run Agency and Diplomacia magazine.
Ludovica Cadario, curator of the exhibition, highlighted some relevant elements of the exhibition, such as the iconographic use of the Virgin and the color range typical of the European avant-garde. However, she highlighted the incorporation of indigenous elements from Ecuador, giving rise to scenarios of unprecedented syncretism.
In this exhibition, Jaime Zapata’s work stands out for the warmth of his palette, his realism and the mastery with which he portrays the naturalness of postures and looks. A pictorial technique with which he creates images of timeless tranquility.
Meanwhile, Jorge Perugachy’s art vindicates resilient femininity through marked contours and determined colors, particularly associated with an anti-plasticity reminiscent of Byzantine.
Finally, Miguel Betancourt’s style reflects his special fascination with European currents of dreamlike Fauvist inspiration, to which he incorporates attractive pre-Hispanic references.
This unprecedented exhibition is an opportunity to admire the collective work of three established masters from Ecuador in the most prestigious European museum dedicated to America.