Happy Sunday!
I’m thrilled to share that one of my works has been selected for Open Gallery’s ‘Annual Open Show 2025’! The exhibition will take place in Halifax, West Yorkshire from June 11th-28th.
Exhibition Details
Location: Open Gallery, 4a Broad Street Plaza Halifax HX1 1UX, United Kingdom
Opening Hours: Wed-Sat 11AM-4PM
PV June 11th 5-7PM
About the work
The selected work is He wants to erase me, a portrait where I depict myself embodying how I wanted to feel at the time. During a period when I felt deeply disempowered, I painted myself resilient, with a wide stance and hands crossed, facing the viewer. I am wearing a red jumpsuit, signalling power and confidence while paying tribute to Peru’s flag and culture. The style of the garment I am wearing is reminiscent of tondero and festejo attire, two types of Peruvian folk music, tondero having originated in my home city of Piura. I view this work as a way to ground myself through the act of making — by employing empowering body language, bold colour and drawing on my heritage.
The piece was first exhibited in my debut UK solo show, ‘Neglected Narratives’, at Peter von Kant gallery in London. Since then, it was featured in my Goldsmiths MFA degree show, ‘Safe Haven’, and has made its television debut in the popular British show Portrait Artist of the Year, season 11.
About Open Gallery
At Open Gallery, they believe that art can be healing and transformative. Their mission is to create a friendly and inclusive space open to everyone, where individuals from all walks of life can come together to explore creativity and well-being.
They are committed to providing access to diverse artistic experiences that inform and inspire, and their programmes focus on making art enjoyable, engaging participants in collaborative projects that foster connection.
He wants to erase me is available for acquisition during the exhibition period through Open Gallery. Exhibition catalogues will also be available from their website. If you are in the West Yorkshire area, or if you fancy a little art trip, I hope you’ll visit the show!
Zully Mejía 