I have spent my past three days off (Sunday, Wednesday, Sunday) in La Antigua. It is such an Old World city...very reminiscent of some of the places I've visited in Europe. Like much of Guatemala, it is filled with many artisan markets, which are delicious in their unique handicrafts, exquisite wood carvings and pottery, and brightly colored fabrics, jewelry, and paintings.
Among some of the hidden treasures I've stumbled upon in this remarkable city is an art gallery owned by local artist Alejandro Wer. I stepped in while finding my way to el parque central de la Antigua, and I was greeted with some of the most friendly hospitality I've encountered here so far. I began talking with Wer about his beautifully unique paintings in Spanish. After awhile, I realized that he spoke English, and we continued our conversation in Spanglish.
Wer uses a mixture of Chinese ink, pastels, acrylic and oil paints in his creations. The effect of combining these mediums is outstanding. He often uses other artistic works, such as operas, works of literature, etc. as the inspiration for his pieces. He currently has some small panels on display which depict several scenes from the novel
Don Quixote. Another piece, which I purchased, derives from Greek mythology: the artist's own rendition of the story of Leda and the Swan. This story has inspired countless other artistic creations, including a famous poem by William Butler Yeats (and several multicultural responses to it, but that's another matter altogether).
After exploring the two-room gallery, I discovered that the artist had also created a museum of his family in the adjacent back two rooms. How neat! Wer took me on a small tour, which consisted of a reconstruction of one of the rooms in his house growing up, along with representations of the music, arts, and other activities in which his family was involved. I learned that both he and his mother were musicians: his mother a soprano, and he a baritone. I asked Wer if he would sing a bit of something for me, to which he agreed. I received a personal concert from one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard. Truly amazing.
(Wer showing me his family museum...in this photo, a poster from when he performed in Carmen)
(Photo: Me rockin' the antique bass inside Wer's family museum)
(Photo: Wer's father was a doctor AND a magician. What an incredible combination!)
I am meeting again with Wer this Wednesday to show him some of my photography. Who knows? Maybe "La Gringa" will have her works on display in Guatemala soon!
See an article about Wer's work from the local paper:
http://www.prensalibre.com/escenario/cultura/Talento-guatemalteco-Barcelona_0_290970966.html
