Public Opening Reception:

Wednesday, August 21st 2019, 6-8pm

About the exhibition:

Nearly two years since the catastrophe of hurricane Maria, the island of Puerto Rico continues the ongoing process of recovery. The handling of this crisis has served to illustrate, once again, a history of neglect of these U.S. citizens. Nor Wind, Nor Water features artwork that address the ongoing struggles of Puertorriqueño (Puerto Ricans) to rebuild physically, emotionally, and economically. The challenges faced by the Puertorriqueño diaspora are not theirs alone, nor should the process of healing. The proceeds and collected donations raised through this exhibition will go to aid in the still much needed rebuilding on the island.

About the Curator:

Edna Santiago was born in Spanish Harlem, NYC; raised in Puerto Rico. After 40 years of work as a Physical Therapist, and after a personal tragedy, Edna found the healing and inspiring world of painting. Edna is a self taught artist who then started taking lessons at Philadelphia area art centers. Back in Puerto Rico, she owned a gallery which offered opportunities to show artwork from artists of the island and the Philadelphia area. Edna currently resides in the Philadelphia area, having left the island after the devastating effects of Hurricane Maria on PR in 2017. As an artist who regularly puts forth effort to enrich the arts community, Edna is proud to jury and offer an international exhibition opportunity for Puertorriqueño artists by reserving a prominent gallery in the heart of Philadelphia (DVAA). With this exhibition, among other projects, she hopes to continue the conversation of the arts between the contiguous states and the island in ways barely spoken before. In her words, “in a world where the arts are being cut off from resources, we should strengthen the artists, which strengthens us all.”

Participaitng Artists:

Gilberto Gonzalez, Margie Garriga, Alejandra Nanishi Núñez, Juanita Cruz, Kelvin Mercado, Andy Irizarry Robles, Adriana Silva, Perez Perez, Javi Cintron, Yadira Hernández-Picó, Chloe Pinero, Celeste Mann, Jose Enrique Torres, Michelle Gonzalez Green, Kevin Quiles Bonilla, Carlos, Eduardo Cabrer, and Abbe Resnick.

Press: