M.C Cruz
Statement
Fabiola
Is a tribute to a woman in Chile (Fabiola Campillai) who was shot in the eyes by police for going out on the streets during "el estallido social " (the social explosion). "The explosion" refers to the massive street protests for basic rights and dignity in Chile, which started on October 2019 and are still ongoing. It must be noted that Chile is a highly unequal country where the vast majority are working poor and struggling to make ends meet. Fabiola is one of these people and she suffered the loss of here eyesight as a result of brutal police repression. But she emerged stronger and is now an elected Senator, working to make significant changes as part of Boric's government.
I am in awe of Fabiola's resilience and courage in the face of so much struggle. In Canada, some may complain about "tyranny" but do we know what that truly means? I think it is healthy to look beyond our borders and see how others live. We may realize that we have so much to be grateful for. Count your blessings each and every day while working to make the world a better place.
Palomay
The title "Palomay" was inspired by the songs of Victor Jara, a Chilean folk singer who was active during the 60s until September 11, 1973. The painting is a tribute to him and a questioning of his tragic death at the start of Pinochet's dictatorship (supported by the C.I.A). When I hear Jara's songs (now as an adult) I sense the compassion and love for humanity in his clear, strong voice. Just the tone gives that impression, the lyrics make it even clearer that this artist only wanted justice and fairness for all people in Chile and beyond.
It seems so improbable to me that there are human beings who intentionally tortured and killed him for his beliefs. I paint and try to make sense of it but it doesn't. My only hope is that one day that symbolic "dove of peace" will be shedding tears of joy rather than mourning humanity’s violence against each other. With everything going on in the world I feel this image is gaining relevance by the hour.
I strongly recommend listening to the songs: "El Derecho de Vivir en Paz" (The Right to Live in Peace) and "Deja La Vida Volar" (Let Life Fly) for additional context.
Bio
M.C Cruz is a child of Chilean immigrants turned nomadic artist. Who was born and is currently based in Toronto but has also lived two years in Chile and more recently completed an Artist Residency in Morocco. They attended Etobicoke School of Arts and majored in Visual Arts before moving to Vancouver to study film production at Capilano University. They facilitated filmmaking workshops for marginalized communities as part of Fright Film Academy and Fright Film School. They have written, directed and produced several live action and animated short films including “Vampyric PSA”, “La Llorona” and “Root Causes”.The animated film “Root Causes” screened at OCAD in a special preview and Rendezvous with Madness Film Festival with an invitation to join a filmmakers panel.
Their painting series "Refuge From Home" was showcased at the University of Toronto and Toronto City Hall during October 2019 as well as at TMAC for Being Scene 2020. They created and presented paintings for "Unusual Spaces" , a virtual art party by Hercinia Arts Collective. This work was done in Asilah, Morocco during the Covid 19 pandemic and addresses the strange times and circumstances we are in.
The Cruz Herrera Museum in Spain also featured their artwork in a special online video presentation. In 2021, they were awarded a 15,000 dollar grant from the ISO Solidarity Fund to research and write a screenplay. They are also working on a feature documentary film and series of paintings about the massive street protests happening in Chile (el estallido social). Their goal is to continue creating work that challenges the status quo while being visually and narratively compelling.
Artist Website: localeopardlady.wordpress.com/art/
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