The Art Scene of Loja Ecuador

COLLECTIVE - Wabi-Sabi Official statement: "Artists’ Collective of the city of Loja, spreading the art of our artists and realized cultural projects." Based on the Japanese philosophy "Wabi Sabi" which finds beauty in the simple, the perfect imperfect. Art exhibitions, murals, and more. Recent exhibitions include: “Contrasts” in the Casona Cultural (2018), “The Beauty of Imperfection" at City Gate (2018), "Lifting Flight" in the Sala Eduardo Kingman (2017). Portion of a mural for the 18 November School made by the collective facebook.com/Wabi-Sabi

EXHIBITION - Desnudo (2018) Billed as "La expo mas grande del pais" (the largest expo in the country) Opened August 17, 2018 in the Alfredo Mora Reyes enclosed courtyard. Coordinated by artists Bayardo Cuenca, Boris Salinas Ochoa, and Aquiles Salinas Ochoa. The exhibit's statement reads, "We confront the truth when our body is released from the layers that cover and hide the truth of who we are, and when the skin is the only thing between us and the outside, it is there when it generates a feeling of liberation." A collection of 80 works by 67 artists. facebook.com/Expo-Desnudo

“Logano come Lojano” (Lojano eats Lojano) by Emilio Seraquive EXHIBITION - Lojano eats dog (Lojano come perro) November 16-18, 2016 featured seven artists in a live event on Santa Domingo Square. Included Edwin Burmeo, Emilio Seraquive, Diego Abril, Cesar Mallaguari, Pablo Alvear, Fredy Gonzales, and Rafael Valdivieso. The project had a pictorial theme of the idiosyncrasies of Loja, through slang, legends and customs and at the same time used irony of the "lojano como perro" jargon with joking. There is an urban legend that says that the meat of dogs is consumed here in Loja, and that it resembles pork. Following the event of November, the art was again exhibited in La Casa de Manuel that December: https://www.eltelegrafo.com.ec/noticias/cultura/7/lojano-come-perro-muestra-del-colectivo-arte-emergente-se-expone-en-el-fiavl

GALLERY - Madriguera Café - Art Shop.  This delightful hybrid cafe - art shop - gallery is a beehive of activity located on Loja's historic Lourdes Street. Lourdes, a one-time tourist mecca, is transforming itself into an alternative arts and dining destination after converting to a pedestrian mall as part of the recent grand re-design and renovation of Loja's streets and sidewalks. With his partners, Madriguera is overseen by energetic young printmaker and graphic designer,  Luis Miguel Cisneros Galindo . The pocket-sized gallery and shop with coffee bar has a constant program of exhibitions, music, small theater, and classes, hosted by the best emerging artists, performers, and musicians in the city. Worth a visit. Luis will banter with you in English while disarming you with his infectious smile.  Visit the gallery and gift shop  on Lourdes Street between Bolivar and Sucre in  Loja, Ecuador, or contact them at: +593 098 786 4861 madriguera.c...