Rachel Valdés’ “HAPPILY EVER AFTER” Shines at the Triennale Kortrijk 2024

Gary Nader Art Centre proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of Rachel Valdés as her immersive installation, "HAPPILY EVER AFTER," is showcased at the prestigious Triennale Kortrijk 2024. Originally conceived for the Bienal de La Habana and displayed along the iconic Malecón, this thought-provoking piece now brings its evocative narrative to a new audience, aligning seamlessly with the triennale’s theme, "After Paradise."

"HAPPILY EVER AFTER" is a masterful exploration of perception and interaction, creating a dynamic dialogue between the viewer, the artwork, and the surrounding space. Valdés employs repetition, reflections, and a captivating interplay of light and color to blur the lines between the physical and the ideal, inviting viewers to ponder their existence within the space. This immersive experience places the viewer at the heart of the installation, making them an integral part of the artwork.

In the context of Triennale Kortrijk, "HAPPILY EVER AFTER" resonates deeply with "After Paradise," a theme that delves into the era following an idyllic existence. This concept reflects a time of awakening and critical reflection, but also one of hope and empowerment. The installation embodies this duality, offering a profound space for contemplation on our current times and human existence.

Rachel Valdés shares her insight on the piece:

"HAPPILY EVER AFTER" is an installation that challenges perception through the repetition of elements and reflections, creating a contemplative experience for the viewer. It transforms the environment into a parallel, mystical space, inviting a continuous dialogue between the object, the being, and the surroundings. This work invites the viewer to become a protagonist, integrating them into the very fabric of the piece.

Originally designed for the Bienal de La Habana, the piece had an existential discourse by the sea. In Kortrijk, it continues to explore perceptual boundaries, questioning where the physical ends and the ideal begins. It aligns conceptually with the triennale's theme, reflecting on human limitations and the hope of transcending them. “After Paradise” is an era of history, awakening, and critical thinking, but also of hope and belief in human capacities."

The installation will be on display from June 29 to October 6, inviting visitors to engage with Valdés’ immersive world and reflect on the shared human experience.

About Rachel Valdés

Rachel Valdés is a Cuban contemporary artist whose work is characterized by its vibrant interplay of colors and profound exploration of personal and cultural narratives. Born in Havana in 1990, Valdés studied at the esteemed National Academy of Fine Arts San Alejandro before her talents propelled her across a variety of artistic disciplines, including painting, sculpture, installation, and photography.

Her art is deeply rooted in her experiences of the Caribbean environment, often invoking elements of its lush landscapes and luminous light to forge a visceral connection with her audience. Valdés’s work transcends traditional boundaries, blending abstraction with realist cues to evoke both the seen and unseen aspects of her heritage.

Rachel has been the recipient of numerous awards, including a prestigious grant from The Rockefeller Brothers Foundation and The Cuban Art Fund, which enabled her first public art display in New York City, titled "The Beginning of The End." Her exhibitions, both solo and collective, have garnered critical acclaim across major art capitals of the world, inviting viewers into her richly interpretive visual universe.

About Gary Nader

Gary Nader is recognized as one of the most successful gallery owners in the United States and Latin America. His journey in the art world began in 1981 as Director of the Nader Gallery in Santo Domingo, before establishing his own Gary Nader Art Centre in Miami in 1985. Known for his focus on Latin American Art, the gallery has gained international acclaim for its entrepreneurial spirit and success. Located in the Wynwood Arts District in Miami, the center organizes a myriad of solo and group exhibitions, showcasing works by esteemed artists such as Abu Naba'a, Atchugarry, Basquiat, Bermúdez, Botero, Bravo, Cárdenas, Carreño, Chagall, Chamberlain, Chia, Condo, Cruz-Diez, De Stabler, Dubuffet, Fontana, Galán, Goldfarb, Goldin, Gursky, Henry, Hirst, Hudson, Indiana, Iturria, Kahlo, Kippenberger, Kuitca, Lam, Larraz, Lichtenstein, Manet, Martínez Celaya, Matta, Matisse, Miró, Monet, Nara, Neshat, Oehlen, Oppenheim, Pettoruti, Picasso, Rauschenberg, Rosenquist, Rivera, Ruff, Scheibitz, Soto, Stella, Tamayo, Toledo, Torres-García, Vari, Vasarely, Venet, Warhol, and Zuñiga. With the title of the world’s largest gallery at 55,000 square feet, the center includes an exhibition gallery, the Nader Museum, and a forthcoming Sculpture Park. This imminent Sculpture Park will be located in the exclusive and vibrant Miami Design District, offering a unique outdoor exhibition space that complements the gallery's diverse offerings. With over 2,000 pieces from the 20th and 21st centuries, Gary Nader’s Private Collection showcases the richness of modern and contemporary art.

About the Triennale Kortrijk

The Triennale Kortrijk is a prestigious international art event held every three years in the city of Kortrijk, Belgium. Known for its innovative and thought-provoking themes, the Triennale brings together artists from around the world to explore contemporary issues through a variety of artistic expressions, including installations, performances, and visual art. The 2024 edition, themed "After Paradise," delves into the era following an idyllic existence, prompting critical reflection on humanity's current state and future possibilities. The Triennale Kortrijk is a platform for groundbreaking art that challenges perceptions, fosters dialogue, and inspires both artists and audiences alike.

Source: Gary Nader Art Centre