Bitácora/Travelogue
by Alejandro García Lemos
Richland County Public Library, Dec 20, 2019 to February 20, 2020
Artist Statement
“When in 1984 I was granted a scholarship with the Rietvield University from the Netherlands in Aruba, I realized the traveling would be in many ways my destiny. What started as an artist in residency program on the Caribbean island became a way of living, not only as an artist but also as an immigrant.
Soon enough, I decided to embark on a life of search, in many ways the life of all immigrants, refugees and expats.
In the midst of an explosion of photos, selfies and the overwhelming Instagram culture, Bitácora explores a life of documenting via drawings and text my seamlessly unending process of change through travel and movement. This exposition consists of a selection of drawings, texts, and sketches done “in situ”, drawings and texts that reflect on the unexpected glances of my life abroad, offering an Impression of my personal approach towards those places and my temporary stays within them.
Traveling becomes a way (if not the best way) of learning, of self awareness, of internal questioning and drawing becomes the means to express those feelings of constant flux and change.”–
Daibtsu, Giant Buddha, Kotoku-in Temple,
Kamakura, Japan
Print on paper, mounted and signed
Tian Tan Buddha,
Lamps for the Loy Crating
