A year in the making, I am humbled to present a collection of new work meant to be experienced as a conversation between two artists—myself and Rachel Levit Ruiz.
“Uprise Art is proud to present Remedies for a Generation, an online exhibition of new works on paper by Xochi Solis and Rachel Levit Ruiz that reflect on the artists’ respective Mexican heritage and notions of the body, regeneration, and health. Through juxtapositions of common and uncommon imagery, both artists build visions that operate under the logic of dreams or surrealism - a world where reality and myth exist side by side.
Xochi Solis’ newest works reflect her ongoing practice of layering handmade paper, painted plastics, and found materials such as vintage travel books from Mexico and the Southwestern US. These newest works take inspiration from both the natural and man made environment of Mexico, specifically iconic Mexican architecture, like Juan O’Gorman’s Biblioteca Central at UNAM and the Anahuacalli Museum that houses Diego Rivera’s pre-Colombian art collection. Both structures make use of vibrant, natural materials endemic to Mexico, such as colored stones and volcanic rock. Native to Texas, Solis found that working with these found images recalled her initial exploration of her Mexican heritage as a child, as well as her continued desire to find images of people that look like her, and the wonder and awkwardness she feels today in relation to identity. Solis pairs these complex compositions with toned mat boards to create reflective works that approach themes of metamorphosis, regeneration, and succession, seeking a way to bridge this disconnect, like a scar heals a wound.”
This exhibition was originally intended for the walls of Legion SF (thank you, Sydney!), but with the global shift we have all undergone, the work is now available to view & purchase online at Uprise Art & Artsy. Massive thank you to my UA team for making this shift and allowing this work to be shared. Gracias a Rachel, eres una inspiración continua.