Over the years, we’ve had the amazing opportunity to capture the voices and practices of dozens of artists with Art21. And as filmmakers, we’re attracted to telling stories where universal themes and hyper specific autobiography coexist within a work. When Art21 invited us to make this film, we had known about artist Guadalupe Maravilla and his practice for some time. Inspired by Guadalupe’s mystical, autobiographical retablo paintings, we had a strong sense that the film might focus on the artist’s personal narrative.
Yet, as we got to know the depth and layers of his work and personal story, and as we learned more about sound therapy and the artist’s history with it, we really deepened our focus on Guadalupe’s journey with immigration, illness, and other traumas, which inescapably led him to embrace the intersection of art, ritual, and healing in his work.
To experience Guadalupe’s art is to encounter emotions and sensations that are almost unrecognizable, and that is because art is rarely considered the best way to approach healing. To that end, we chose to harness our love for magical realism, exploring kaleidoscopic lenses, flares, and visual effects in order to fully portray Guadalupe’s deeply sensory practice. There is a communal, spiritual nature to which the artist approaches these rituals which we were touched and honored to participate in during filming. We are truly grateful to Guadalupe for his willingness to delve into and share his own difficult past through his work, and also his belief in art’s ability to heal oneself and others.
Rafael Salazar & Ava Wiland, RAVA Films
Filmmakers, “Guadalupe Maravilla & the Sound of Healing”
July 28, 2021
Deepen your connection to Art21
Four new films investigate the relationship between memory and materials
Clockwise from top-left: Phyllida Barlow, Wangechi Mutu, Guadalupe Maravilla, and Adam Milner. © Art21, Inc. 2021.
Fresh from the four-film run of our spring programming season, we are thrilled to launch into our summer season with yet another batch of new films across our Extended Play and New York Close Up series.
This season features four artists—Phyllida Barlow, Guadalupe Maravilla, Adam Milner, and Wangechi Mutu—whose practices investigate the complex interconnectedness between artistic materials and personal experiences.
A new film premiered each Wednesday in July on Art21.org and our YouTube channel.
Upcoming workshops for educators
This August, we are proud to offer professional development opportunities to engage teachers with the work of contemporary artists.
Rethinking Curriculum focuses on how strategies such as active viewing can enhance and activate your curriculum in different ways. This workshop takes place on August 3 at 12:00 p.m. ET via Zoom. Registration is free.
Contemporary Art for Elementary Students invites participants to hear from seasoned elementary school teachers on how they teach with contemporary art and artists. This two-part program, taking place on August 4 at 12:00 p.m. via Zoom, begins with a webinar and concludes with an interactive workshop. Registration is free and required for each event.
Visit our education calendar for a list of upcoming workshops for educators.
Thank you for supporting our work
More than ever, online access to the lives and stories of artists is crucial, and Art21 is proud to share them with an ever-growing number of visitors including students, teachers, parents, and art enthusiasts alike from around the globe. If you are able at this time, please consider supporting the work of Art21. Every dollar makes a difference.
