Beatriz Ledesma

Beatriz Ledesma

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I am a Latin-American artist from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I am a symbolist painter, a writer, educator, and curator. Being a symbolist painter rooted in the surrealist tradition, I am drawn to the significant themes of emotions, spirituality and symbolism in ordinary objects and in human life experience, delving into the depths of the unconscious mind and the world of our dreams. I aim to create connections that go beyond the known and the seen, utilizing symbols to bridge different concepts and experiences using color as a means of emotional expression. And I intend to transport viewers on a journey of reflection and discovery with my work.                                     My work is in oils, mostly on canvas, utilizing color and layering the paint to bring forward depth. The painting process for me is like writing a book so I tend to paint in series. The number of paintings in the series is intuitively directed. My attention to the painting is that of a focused researcher using my inner dialogue as the main library from where to bring forward the image.


I am very active showing my work in solo and group show. For instance, in 2024 @ Viridian Contemporary Arts Gallery/NYC, SONA Gallery/Chicago, Jackson Jungle Gallery/Chicago, Women Made Gallery/Chicago as well as being the curator of Argentine artists in the US sponsored by Consulado Argentino in Chicago. And for 2025 I was invited to participate at “ARTE LATINO NOW”, group show curated by Queen University, NC, two group shows at Viridian Contemporary Arts and one solo show at the same gallery. When the opportunity presents itself I enjoy collaborative work being the last one at Edna Manley College/Kingston.Jamaica in 2011with a local Jamaica jazz musician. The collaboration process -weaving ideas and images with the other- is very enjoyable for me.


I've been the recipient of several awards being the last one Fullbright Scholar Award 2020to 2025.


During the 2024 summer I published for the first time, two books: “Mandalas: A Personal Journey in Mandala Journaling”and its workbook companion “From the Center”. 


Portfolio:

SCISSORS

Being a symbolist artist, I am drawn to the significant themes of spirituality and symbolism in ordinary objects. In our present era, I find scissors to be particularly relevant and meaningful objects to contemplate upon.

Scissors have been in use for a long time and are now an integral part of our daily routines. According to historical accounts, the ancient Romans were the first to invent them for the purpose of achieving precise and tidy haircuts. However, it should also be noted that scissors can serve as a tool for self-defense.

Scissors have long been believed to possess protective powers, serving as a talisman against witchcraft and malevolent forces. This belief dates back to medieval times, when scissors were commonly placed beneath doormats as a means of warding off evil and shielding individuals from sinister spirits. In light of our current tumultuous and chaotic times, as inhabitants of this earthly realm, it is worth considering what things we would like to eliminate from our daily human existence. Therefore, it is worth considering the idea of keeping scissors under our doormats as a form of protection from unwanted influences.