Altos de Chavón Art Gallery celebrated the opening last Saturday, August 8, of 'Roots, Fibers of the Soul,' an exhibition by Venezuelan artist and textile designer Gilda Strano, based in the Dominican Republic, whose work explores the connection between nature, memory, emotions, and our own roots.

Recognized for transforming natural fibers into large-format contemporary textile artworks, Strano brings traditional techniques such as macramé and embarrilado into the language of contemporary art, creating pieces that combine sculpture, texture, and emotion

The opening was attended by around 110 visitors, who were able to discover for the first time a textile art proposal of this kind at the Art Gallery. The public reception was extraordinary, generating an atmosphere of interest and admiration for a proposal that transforms natural materials and artisanal techniques into contemporary expressions full of meaning

During the evening, the artist gave a special talk in which she shared a few words of gratitude with those present. Strano expressed that she was especially moved to fulfill the dream of presenting her work for the first time at Altos de Chavón, a project that, she shared, had remained in her mind and heart for years.

The artist also explained the personal connection between her career and the concept of the exhibition. One of the first works she created was a tree, an element that became a fundamental reference for this proposal and gave rise to the concept of 'Roots, Fibers of the Soul.' The tree represents a symbol of origin, connection, growth, and belonging.

Among the main pieces in the exhibition is 'El Origen' (The Origin), a hand-woven tree created using macramé and embarrilado techniques, which synthesizes the conceptual essence of the show and establishes a dialogue between the roots of nature and the roots of the human being.

As part of the experience, Mexican musician Alan Sarek offered an immersive sound proposal that fused instruments from different traditions with contemporary resources. Through the handpan, oud, guitar, electric cello, flute, Bolivian Quenacho, and rotating bells, he created an organic and enveloping atmosphere that complemented the textures and forms of the exhibition. The event took place from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and the exhibition is installed on the first level of the Altos de Chavón Art Gallery, where the public can engage with this proposal that reclaims traditional techniques and incorporates them into the language of contemporary textile art.

With 'Roots, Fibers of the Soul,' Gilda Strano presents a body of work deeply connected to nature and the human experience, inviting the viewer to reflect on that which sustains us, connects us, and reminds us where we come from.