October 1 – 19, 2025
Opening Reception: Saturday, October 4, 2 – 5 pm
Artist Talk: Sunday, October 19, 2 pm
Michelle Letarte, Antigua at Propeller Art Gallery – ARTORONTO
A recent trip to Guatemala involved three days in La Antigua, the capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala, which included most of the current countries of Central America, from 1543 through 1773. The architecture of Antigua reflects the Baroque influence of the Spanish colonial style and its importance during that period. Its unique characteristics, with its numerous significant buildings and still standing ruins led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Three large volcanoes dominate the horizon around Antigua, the Volcán de Agua, Acatenango and the active Volcán de Fuego.
Several religious orders, including Franciscans, Jesuits and Dominicans, took initiative in religious and educational matters and built churches, cloisters, schools and even a university. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and fires caused severe damage to many of the early buildings. Ruins abound, and limited restorations leave an intriguing mixture of old walls partially covered with ancient frescoes and invasive vegetation.
Totally enthralled by the arty and complex history beyond the ancient façades, I took hundreds of photos while walking the streets of Antigua and viewing as many nunneries, cathedrals, monasteries, schools, and colourful houses as possible. Selected photos were transferred to board and to recycled textured canvases to recreate the effects of aged walls and tell their stories. After painfully removing the paper layers and leaving behind the ink imprint, acrylic paint was applied to strengthen the vibrant and true colours of the walls and facades of La Antigua. Other images were directly collaged and highlighted with vivid acrylic. All the artworks bear the name of their original location and wish to convey to viewers the amazing history and hidden emotions rendered by the ancient walls of La Antigua.
Michelle Letarte is an experimental scientist, educator and a mixed media artist based in Toronto. Years of research with cells/ molecules give her a distinct and often very focused perspective, trying to unravel the secrets of ancient walls/ caves encountered in her numerous travels, or exploring unusual natural habitats. She is an experimentalist, working in different techniques and media. She sees every exhibition as a new project, to be explored and shared with the viewers. Her artworks are in private collections in many countries. Michelle has been at Propeller Art Gallery since 2009, has served as a board member for several years, including Chair during the pandemic, and is currently Chair of the Membership Committee.
