Through vibrant colors and expressive sculpture, Alexandria Canchola lit up the Ben Bailey Art Gallery with her solo exhibition Mango O Nada.
Mango O Nada showcases Canchola’s grandmother and her perspectives as a Cuban immigrant.
Throughout the exhibition, Canchola gives an inside look through paintings and large, hand painted scale models made of cardboard to recreate different rooms in her grandmother’s home when she was growing up. The exhibit took approximately two years for Canchola to complete.
“I really wanted to bring my grandmother’s life to a different audience. She meant a lot to me, and I think a lot of people can connect to that relationship. I think there’s a lot of universality in our relationships with those that came before us,” Canchola said.
Several students, faculty and members of the community came out to view Canchola’s work at her opening Sept. 25. Carlos Villareal, lecturer in the Department of Art, Communication & Theatre, was in attendance and familiar with Canchola’s work throughout the years.
“I think it’s important for students to see Alexandria’s work to see what’s possible and the way that we can see stories and characters from our own life and create art,” Villareal said.
Students in attendance took note of Canchola’s ability to showcase a story through her exhibit. Carla Villanueva, a senior art major, shared how impactful Canchola’s work was to her.
“I was very impressed…and in some way I do feel connected to this artist with the dedication that she has to her family,” Villanueva said.
Mango O Nada will be displayed until Nov. 18 at the Ben Bailey Art Gallery.
