October 6 - November 19, 2023
From Presa House:
“Presa House proudly welcomes the return of Corpus Christi-based artist and designer Alexandria Canchola. Chanchola first debuted at Presa House with her immersive installation About Her in the group exhibition Four Rooms in February 2020. Yours to Keep features all new work inspired by the artist’s grandmother. The opening reception will be held on October 6, 2023, from 7–11 p.m. The exhibition will remain on view by appointment through August 19, 2023.
Yours to Keep is the latest solo exhibition by Alexandria Canchola that explores the female perspective of a Cuban immigrant, focusing on her grandmother as the central character. The narrative sheds light on her life, challenges, and thoughts as a woman who pursued the American dream by leaving everything behind.
Abuela’s story embodies an era when women had limited options, dedicating themselves to the roles of devoted wife and mother. The exhibition raises questions about assimilation and responsibility, highlighting themes of cultural identity.
The artwork combines personal observations and painted scenes from Abuela’s life, emphasizing the connection between memory and possessions. Objects are used to capture the essence of the character, while some pieces incorporate words and letters as design elements, emphasizing their significance in communication.
Color plays a crucial role in the exhibition, evoking nostalgia and bittersweetness, subverting viewers’ perceptions of emotion, and establishing moods for each piece. Yours to Keep showcases the power of belongings and the interplay between memory, identity, and the immigrant experience.
Artist Bio
Alexandria Canchola (b. 1986) is a Corpus Christi-based artist, designer and illustrator who creates immersive large-scale installations that are inspired by narrative, color, letterforms, and filmmaking. Canchola has worked in many roles for publications, small businesses, and nonprofits, working to solve problems creatively so ideas can come to life. She holds a BA from the University of Texas at Austin and an MFA in 2D Design from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She has completed residencies at Otis College of Art and Design and Zea Mays Printmaking.
Her exceptional work has been recognized with awards from American Illustration, American Advertising Federation, and International Design Awards. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor for the Graphic Design program at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, Canchola is dedicated to helping her students understand the power and potential of design in shaping ideas that can truly change the world.”
Reception: October 6, 2023 | 7–11 pm
725 S. Presa
San Antonio, 78210 Texas
210.445.6997
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