Nalu Art Artist Residency featuring Pablo Meza
In the heart of Isla Mujeres, where crystal turquoise waters meet the vibrant culture of the Mexican Caribbean, Nalu Art Gallery has established itself as a beacon for artistic expression and the go-to place for unique handmade, locally created artworks. Recently, Casa Nalu became the temporary home for Chilean artist Pablo Meza, marking a significant chapter in the gallery's artist residency program.
What is Nalu Art Artist Residency?
This program is a unique project in which Nalu Art openly welcomes artists from all over the world to come and share their space while offering a variety of accommodation and workshop spaces depending on each artist's needs. The accommodation options are By Nalu estates, which vary from private villas with ocean views to suites with shared communal spaces and access to various mediums in the Nalu Art Workshops, from wood, clay, and silver to graphic design, paint, and more. Successful collaborations often result in an exhibition at Nalu Art Gallery, with an opening event collaborating with the highly praised on-site Ulan Eatery. Joining all forces of Nalu Art to create an extraordinary and memorable experience for both artists and guests and promote the communal aspect of Art in its essence.
Artist Collaboration “Pablo Meza”
The Journey Begins
Pablo Meza, an acclaimed acrylic painter and sculptor based in Chile, was approached by Nalu Art Gallery with a unique opportunity. This offer was not a coincidence; Nalu Art had previously hosted his sister-in-law, Victoria de la Maza, another talented acrylic painter from Chile. Impressed by her enthusiastic attitude, creative energy, and vibrant work, the gallery reached out to Pablo, inviting him to embark on a creative journey that would span these two countries.
Creating Across Continents
The residency began in Chile, where Pablo started working on a new collection, “Bosque De Coral.” His experience with acrylics and sculpting provided a solid foundation, but he was eager to explore new techniques and materials. This initial phase allowed him to develop themes and ideas that he would later expand upon during his stay in Mexico.
Upon arriving in Isla Mujeres, Pablo was welcomed into Casa Nalu, the gallery's dedicated accommodation for artists. Located just a five-minute walk from Nalu Art Gallery, Casa Nalu offers a comfortable, open living environment with multiple workspaces [please check here for rental options]. This setup is designed to foster creativity and allow artists to choose their preferred space for inspiration and productivity.
Are you an artist interested in the Nalu Art Artist Residency program? Contact us
Exploration and Experimentation
During his residency, Pablo immersed himself in the rich cultural tapestry of Isla Mujeres. The island's natural beauty and vibrant local culture served as a constant source of inspiration. At Nalu Art, he was encouraged to experiment with both familiar and unfamiliar materials and techniques. This exploration period was crucial for Pablo, as it allowed him to push the boundaries of his art and incorporate new elements into his work.
Nalu Art prides itself on offering artists the opportunity for continual learning and growth. For Pablo, this meant blending his established acrylic techniques with new methods, resulting in a unique body of work that reflected his Chilean roots and experiences in Mexico. Pablo used tea-infused acrylic on linen and fabric for the stunning artworks of his Exhibition at Nalu Art, a novelty for many guests of the Nalu Art Gallery.
The Culmination: A Final Exhibition
The Opening
The evening was hosted at Nalu Art Gallery in collaboration with Ulan Eatery, and the guests had the opportunity to combine visual art, music, and food, engaging multiple senses and creating a rich, immersive experience at Nalu Art Gallery. The exposition was also an opportunity to meet and interact with artists, musicians, and fellow art enthusiasts, fostering community on Isla Mujeres while enjoying
live painting and
live music.
The Residency concluded with a highly anticipated exhibition at Nalu Art Gallery. The final collection showcased Pablo's evolution in art, capturing the essence of his journey from Chile to Mexico. Each piece told a story of cultural exchange, artistic growth, and personal discovery.
The exhibition celebrated Pablo's talent and the collaborative spirit of Nalu Art and Nalu Art Gallery. It highlighted the importance of providing artists with the space and resources to explore their creativity fully.
A Lasting Impact
Pablo Meza's Residency at Nalu Art is a testament to the power of artistic residencies in bridging cultures and expanding creative horizons. By offering artists like Pablo a supportive environment and the freedom to experiment, Nalu Art continues to enrich the artistic community of Isla Mujeres and beyond.
As Pablo's journey illustrates, the intersection of different cultures and artistic practices can lead to extraordinary results. Nalu Art Gallery remains committed to nurturing this creative exchange, ensuring that every residency is a transformative experience for the artist and the community.
Pablos works are also available in our online shop.
Pablos Testimonial
[Spanish original]
“Hola mi nombre es Pablo Meza, y muevo mi Vida gracias a las artes visuales,
Durante un mes entre junio y julio de éste 2024, tuve el privilegio de hacer residencia de artista en Isla Mujeres, gracias al apoyo y gestión, de Nalu Gallery , quienes me recibieron y me entregaron todo lo necesario para crear una serie de 11 obras dedicadas a la naturaleza de la Isla, durante mi estadía.
Asi montamos con risas y éxito la exposición “Bosque de Coral” la que fue recibida con una notable buena crítica, en un ambiente inspirador con estilo y organización.”
[English translation]
"Hello, my name is Pablo Meza. My life moves thanks to the visual arts.
During the month between June and July of this year, 2024, I had the privilege of doing an artist residency in Isla Mujeres, thanks to the support and management of Nalu Gallery, who received me and gave me everything I needed to create a series of 11 works dedicated to the nature of the island, during my stay. Thus, we mounted the exhibition "Bosque de Coral" with laughter and success, which was received with excellent reviews in an inspiring environment with style and organization.
I am deeply grateful to the Nalu Gallery family for making one of the greatest and most rewarding episodes possible in my career as an artist. It was an honor to share and collaborate with them, and I take this experience with me in my heart.”
Are you an artist interested in the Nalu Art Artist Residency program?
Or in a stay at Casa Nalu or Villa Nalu?
For any future events and exhibitions of Nalu Art, click here
Do you want to be creative and take part in our workshops?
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