Open Borders exhibit at SoHo

“Given the times, it is especially important for us to remember that art knows no boundaries. Art unifies and transcends borders,” writes the organizers of a new show at SoHo Galleries in Santa Ana.

To reflect these times, an “Open Borders” exhibition features the work of the artists from neighboring countries: Mexico, the United States and Cuba. Meet the artists and celebrating art’s role in “uniting and opening borders.” 

The exhibition runs through Feb. 28.

The artists:

Anna López Anaya, México

Anna López, a native of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, studied art at Finis Terrae University in Santiago de Chile. In 2009 she obtained a degree in Scenographic Design.

Lopez’s technique of combining photography with paint, using oils painted on transparent acrylic surfaces, emerged in 2011. She leaves empty spaces of color that allow the work to coexist with the space in which it is mounted.

This exhibit includes images of the bustling Mérida mercados, alive with indigenous vendors and all the vibrant colors of the streets.

Mark Mellon, United States

The work of U.S. artist Mark Mellon dictates the expression of men and animals as we explore our role and place in this universe. Drawing inspiration from primitive art and a varied range of Modern Art, Mellon combines the harmony of images in an abstract and surrealistic way. Working with paint, ink and sculpture, Mellon has created a world and environment that invites the public to enter and participate with images and to find meanings for themselves.

Mellon has recently taken up residence in Çanakkale, Turkey, where he works from his studio.

His work is collected worldwide, and is represented in México exclusively by SoHo Galleries.

Ihovany Abreu, Cuba

Graduating in 2007, Ihovany Abreu has two first prizes in painting in the Salon Provincial Martiano and in the International of Plastic Arts Cuba – Asturias.

Abreu feels, thinks and loves art. His work addresses the deterioration of men in captivity and love as the highest expression of human beings. His concept refers mainly to the man and his existential preoccupations.

For this exhibition, Abreu presents a series of portraits in charcoal and oil on canvas.