We are pleased to announce the release of “Great South,” a new book that considers the work of Fernando Prats, who represented Chile at the Venice Biennial this year. The book will be presented on November 2, at 7:00 PM, in the BiblioGam at the Gabriela Mistral Centre in Santiago.
Through photos, archival materials and texts from curators Paul Ardenne, Fernando Castro Flórez and Justo Pastor Mellado, this volume is a journey through the work of Fernando Prats, an artist who takes his inspiration from Chile and all of its geography.
This publication is the result of a joint effort between the National Council for Culture and the Arts (CNCA), the Ministry of Foreign Relations through its Cultural Affairs Bureau (DIRAC), the Foundation Image of Chile and Pro Chile; the Embassy of Chile in Spain, Embassy of Chile in Italy, Ediciones Polígrafas, the Cultural Centre Gabriela Mistral (GAM) and the Joan Prats Gallery.
Prats’ aesthetic proposals articulate themselves around the footprints and remains of various supports. In spite of the remoteness of his country of birth—he currently lives and works in Barcelona—his connection with Chile is close, and is reflected in works realized throughout the Country.
Prats Chilean pavilion is an exhibition composed of three works: Chaitén (2008), born from the largest volcanic eruption in Chile; 03:34:17 which refers to the devastating earthquake in Chile in 2010; and Great South (2011) which was constructed in the Antarctic Chilean territory, and consists of an installation of neon letters that reference explorer Ernest Shackleton’s 1911 expedition to Antarctica.
With the rigorousness of his work and the capacity to go beyond the realm of painting, Fernando Prats seeks to honour the man capable to take a heroic stance in the face of adversity imposed by nature.
Authors: Paul Ardenne, Fernando Castro Flórez, Justo Pastor Mellado.
Publisher: Polígrafa Editions S.A
Event location: BiblioGAM-GAM /Av. Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins 227. Building A-3rd floor.
Santiago, Chile.
For more information:
José Andrés Alvarado, Institutional Press Officer, National Council for Culture and the Arts.
jose.alvarado [at] cultura.gob.cl
562-6189062
