Colombia Unbound: A Tapestry of Forms

OPENING OCT 11

Opening October 11th 6-9

Diego is an award-winning illustrator, fine artist and muralist from Bogota, Colombia currently based in Chicago. Diego uses a dreamy and whimsical aesthetic to reflect on his identity as a Colombian and a Latino immigrant living in the US. Through his creations, he explores his connection to his country and its culture, especially that of the indigenous communities, which has often been neglected and forgotten. In that sense, his work is a dialogue between worlds that are often at odds with each other; that of what we call “western civilization” and another one with a more ancestral vision and understanding of the universe, nature, and our role as humans on this planet. This is also the reason why nature has become a main element of Diego’s images; with its endless diversity and symbolism, the depiction of nature (animals, plants, elements) turns into a language of sorts through which Diego comments or reflects on both his personal interests and the world that surrounds him. Diego has worked on public art projects including several murals in Atlanta and Chicago, and his paintings have been displayed across the country in galleries like Nucleus Gallery (Portland), ABV Gallery (Atlanta), Vertical Gallery (Chicago), Modern Eden (San Francisco ) among others. His work has earned accolades from prestigious publications and organizations like 3x3 magazine, Society of Illustrators LA, Latin American Illustration, Red Dot Awards and Addy Awards

Camilo Carreno-Gonzalez (1981) is a Colombian artist born in Bogota, Colombia, he currently lives and works in Chicago, Illinois. Working primarily in pencil on paper, his works revolve around the exploration of self and identity, through the use of contemporary portraiture and human figure drawing.

I was born in a small town in Boyacá, Colombia, and throughout my life, I’ve lived in various cities, which gave me different perspectives and experiences. I began my studies in industrial design, but it was illustration that sparked a deep passion for the graphic arts, leading me to explore various artistic disciplines.
My work focuses on the relationship between my personal experiences and the world around me, using techniques like mosaic, illustration, sculpture, and printmaking as my means of expression. Each discipline offers me a distinct way to reflect my thoughts and emotions. Mosaic, for example, is a metaphor for reconstruction, while screen printing connects me to the DIY philosophy and the beauty of manual work. Illustration allows me to reinvent the world I see and experience it from a personal perspective.
For me, art is a way to inhabit the world more comfortably, a vehicle to express what I think and feel, and a way to connect with others. Through my work, I aim to create a space for reflection and connection for those who encounter it. My creative process is a blend of technique, experimentation, and the constant evolution of my personal experiences. What I create reflects not only my personal growth but also my desire to inspire others to see life from new perspectives.
Today, from Chicago, I continue seeking growth as an artist and as a person, letting art be the bridge that connects me to the world and to those around me.

OPENING OCT 11
Diego Penuela
Camilo Carreno-Gonzalez
Gauli Macana Mora
video + audio

Words:

"Colombia Unbound: A Tapestry of Forms"

This exhibition presents 3 artists from Colombia, whose work is presented in dialogue with identity, culture, and diaspora, celebrating diverse expressions and inviting evocative perspectives of Colombian history.

Camilo Carreño Gonzales explores the self and identity through his figurative portrait drawings. Recently featured in the book “Sketched Out: Artist Sketchbooks and Journals Unveiled”, in Hong Kong, his work intricately explores the human experience, inviting viewers to connect deeply with his subjects.

Diego Peñuela creates dreamy images shaped by his Latin American identity and the immigrant experience. His art serves as a dialogue between contrasting worlds across mediums–including animation, murals, and design–which have garnered recognition from organizations such as 3x3, Society of Illustrators LA and Latin American Illustration.

Gauli Macana Mora crafts alluring glass mosaics on skateboard decks, showcasing the dynamics of urban influences and popular culture. His creations invite audiences to engage with art through the transformation of everyday objects, reimagining traditional notions of accessibility and creativity.

Together, these artists weave a tapestry of Colombia’s vibrant history, culture, and identity, provoking reflections of balancing assimilation and tradition in a modern society.

About the Raud Fine Art Gallery

Established in 2023, the RFA Gallery in Chicago is a safe and supportive space for underrepresented artists from diverse backgrounds to showcase their artistic work. RFA Gallery proudly represents and stands for equal opportunities for all, with a special emphasis on supporting mothers, women, and immigrants - from poets to writers, painters to photographers, and everyone in between.

Inquire to be showcased.

Contributors

Director Liina Raud
Assistant Emily Jeeone Han

contact
gallery@liinaraud.com
917-821-4647

Viewing Hours

Sat: 12 - 5
Sun: 12 - 3
Wed: 10 - 3
Thu: 4-7 PM

or by an appointment:
917-821-4647

1932 S Halsted #402, Chicago, Il. 60608

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