In December 2020, Muse Creative Group and Cuarentenismo co-hosted a unique event that brought together local artists and art enthusiasts in a socially distant, face-to-face setting. “Rompiendo La Pantalla,” which translates to “Breaking Through the Screen,” took place at La Santa Taqueria and it aimed to showcase the works of local artists who have continued to create despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into this event and explore how digital art galleries are breaking through the screen to bring art to people in new and exciting ways.
Who is Cuarentenismo?
Cuarentenismo is a digital art gallery that was founded during the pandemic as an act of resilience and creativity. The co-founders, Alejandra Mutti, María Alejandra Valle, and Ana Laura Gomes, wanted to create a space where they could showcase the work of their friends and others who were creating during quarantine. Their premise is that “all formats are allowed” and “all creatives are artists.”
More than just a digital art gallery, Cuarentenismo is a movement that began in Venezuela but has roots all over the world. The pandemic, which at first seemed like a creative limitation for artists, ended up being the inspiration that fueled Cuarentenismo. The co-founders were afraid that the name would not transcend the current situation, but to their surprise, the response was the opposite: “Cuarentenismo is forever,” says Alejandra.
Any artist who has created art during the pandemic (and after) can recognize that “cuarentenismo” is a postmodern trend that encourages self-discovery and self-improvement, characteristics of the new normal.
What is “Rompiendo La Pantalla”?
Cuarentenismo had the chance to organize its first in-person event thanks to relaxed restrictions and community efforts to create safe and healthy environments. With a strong Instagram following based in Miami, FL, made up of artists and art enthusiasts, the event allowed local artists to showcase their works and network with potential buyers and collaborators while following social distancing guidelines. The event holds significance due to the challenges posed by the pandemic, which has made it difficult for artists to reach their audience and promote their art.
How did Rompiendo La Pantalla come about?
Gabriella Mutti, the founder of Muse Creative Group, was a big fan of Cuarentenismo’s Instagram account. She found inspiration in the diverse artworks and self-expression exhibited by artists during the lockdown. When Gabriella and Alejandra discussed the idea of giving local artists an opportunity to exhibit their work at a popular Miami restaurant, they started planning. Due to traditional galleries being closed and events being canceled, local artists were finding it difficult to showcase their works and connect with their audience. Muse Creative Group saw an opportunity to create an event that would not only showcase local talent but also provide a platform for artists to connect with potential buyers and collaborators. Alejandra was only visiting the United States when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, causing her to stay for nearly a year before returning to Venezuela. The event was also a farewell party for Alejandra, giving artists a chance to thank her for helping to increase their visibility.
What is a digital art gallery?
A digital art gallery is an online platform that showcases works of art in a digital format. Unlike traditional galleries, which require physical space to display artworks, digital art galleries exist entirely online. They provide a convenient way for artists to showcase their works to a global audience and for art enthusiasts to discover new artists and artworks.
What are the advantages of digital art galleries?
Digital art galleries offer several advantages over traditional galleries. For artists, they provide a platform to showcase their works to a global audience and can help to reduce the costs associated with exhibiting works in traditional galleries. They also offer greater flexibility in terms of display options and the ability to showcase works in different formats. For art enthusiasts, digital art galleries provide a convenient way to discover new artists and artworks from anywhere in the world. They also offer a more immersive and interactive experience through the use of new technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality.
What does the future hold for digital art galleries?
The COVID-19 pandemic has made it challenging for artists to showcase their artwork in traditional galleries. However, the emergence of digital art galleries has provided a valuable alternative. As more artists and art enthusiasts embrace digital platforms, we can anticipate continued growth in the digital art gallery space. Moreover, the advancements in technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality are likely to enhance these galleries even further. Nevertheless, we do not believe that digital art galleries will replace traditional art galleries. The experience of art varies according to the setting, and there is a significant emphasis on community building in the creative space. Technology has enabled artists to connect with people worldwide, but there is no substitute for in-person interactions with your favorite artist. Digital art galleries can be used to build excitement for an annual exhibition and can serve as a way to leverage both the digital and real worlds. As social beings, we value the sense of community and shared experiences that come from face-to-face interactions.
