Annette Turrillo: A Thought for the Planet / Un Pensamiento por el Planeta

ANNETTE TURRILLO

A Thought for the Planet

January 25, 2012 - April 1, 2012

The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum

A Thought for the Planet DIRECTOR’S FOREWORD Annette Turrillo focuses on themes of reflection and retrospection as she observes the human condition and its place in the universe and, in particular, its responsibilities to maintain beauty and harmony on our planet. In works that include paintings, installations, and multi-media technology, Turrillo creates an atmosphere of solitude and mystery that she invites the interaction of the visitor, as a participant, not merely an observer.

With interaction, she hopes that the significance of her message that the environment is basic to the existence of all creation will resonate more profoundly.

In images that have become a metaphorical and symbolic language to reveal the profound presence of humanity, she uses the face as an icon to reflect upon our inner world and that of our creative imagination to make things personal and complete. Each face is transformed by the force of spiritual essence and illuminated by the light of inner harmony. These metaphysical qualities are expressed in subtle brushwork, effusive imagery, and delicate details. Her intense atmospheric luminosity exalts the beauty of humanity as a symbol of life and love and the embodiment of nature at its most reverential. Presented as a reference to the cycles of life and the movement of the planets as sources of meditation, she seeks universal peace and understanding through art.

The works of Annette Turrillo transcend the physical as they reveal the mysterious environment of all earthly existence. It is a message of value to everyone and suits the gallery at The Frost Art Museum which we dedicate to the healing arts and the environment.

Carol Damian, Director and Chief Curator The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum Florida International University, Miami

Spring 2011 Oil on canvas 77 x 38 in

Summer 2011 Oil on canvas 77 x 38 in

Autumn 2011 Oil on canvas 77 x 38 in

Winter 2011 Oil on canvas 77 x 38 in

EXHIBITION STATEMENT

by Ninoska Huerta

This exhibition invites visitors to share their thoughts and beliefs about the state of our planet with others. It aims to engender positive attitudes among its viewers to serve as the first step in a chain of actions to benefit the planet. Turrillo declares: "what is conceived in a gathering will materialize."

Yin Yang 2011 Oil on canvas 83 x 110 inches

The power of thought allows individuals to shape the world when their thoughts are translated into statements or actions. Turrillo employs the concept of "thought" as a powerful artistic tool and in turn, translates it into a dynamic installation in which the visitor becomes an active participant. By welcoming the public's participation, she aims to provoke a positive response. "My art project is the visual support for the written word." Through Turrillo’s work, viewers become spectators and actors, able to interpret and add their own written statement as part of the artist's proposal.

As a foundation for the installation, the artist uses the “Yin and Yang” and the “Four Seasons” as universal concepts encoded within her visual imagery. The Yin Yang, represented by two large canvases, describes how polar opposites or seemingly contrary forces interact in the natural world complementarily within a greater whole dynamic system. The Four Seasons are respectively depicted by four canvases, which, through the use of color, the subtle and elegant transformation of nature is made evident with the human semblance as a metaphorical form.

These canvases together with screens showing statements by visitors from previous shows encircle a central circular space that contains 365 plastic bottles used as containers for the viewers' new messages. Each of these containers represents a day of the year and reminds us that our positive action should not stop at the exhibition but continue all year round.

The balanced surprises of her canvases introduce the spectator beyond the bi-dimensional, establishing a dialogue between the divine and the materialistic. The meaning is about transformation, time lapses, growth, preservation and changes that men introduce in their habitat. It is about how much could be improved and how much can be saved if we really love our planet.

EXHIBITION CHECKLIST

Spring, 2011 Oil on canvas 77 x 38 inch

Summer, 2011 Oil on canvas 77 x 38 inches Autumn, 2011 Oil on canvas 77 x 38 inches Winter, 2011 Oil on canvas 77 x 38 inches Yin-Yang, 2011 Oil on canvas 83 x 110 inches A Thought for the Planet Video, 2011, materials and dimentions vary Projection and Sound: Borjas Art Project, Diego Dominguez, Valentina Aleman Special gratitude to Robbie Rivera in the production of the soundtrack Front page image: Annette Turrillo A Thought for the Planet Installation, 2011 materials and dimentions vary

Smithsonian Institution Affiliations Program

The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum Florida International University 10975 SW 17th St. | Miami, FL 33199 t: 305.348.2890 | e: artinfo@fiu.edu | w: thefrost.fiu.edu Museum Hours: Tues-Sat: 10am-5pm / Sun: 12pm-5pm / Mon: Closed The Frost Art Museum receives ongoing support from the Steven and Dorothea Green Endowment; the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, the Mayor and the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners; The Miami Herald; Target; and the Members & Friends of The Frost Art Museum.

Thank you to Ninoska Huerta Gallery for its generous support.