VALENTINA RODRÍGUEZ MORALES
Echoes of Experience
Foreignness becomes a canvas, where stereotypes unravel, and the migrant narrative finds its voice.
This innovative project unfolds as a digital open letter, drawing inspiration from the Travelogues and Post-cards archive AKON within the Austrian National Library's digital collection. Motivated by a deep sentimental connection to the archive and personal experiences as a migrant, Rodriguez Morales explores the nuances of foreignness, exoticism, and the stereotypes associated with arriving in a new territory.
A metafictional archive unfolds, stitching together the threads of foreignness and creating a space for empathy.
At its core, the project is a reconfiguration of collected texts, giving rise to a new metafictional archive. This archive weaves a narrative that intimately connects with the emotional landscape of adapting to unfamiliar surroundings. Visitors to the exhibition are invited to navigate this narration without a prescribed order, immersing themselves in the exercise of empathy and confronting the complexities of the foreign experience.
In the heart of the migrant experience, 'Echoes of Experience' beckons, where stereotypes are shattered, and a digital embrace welcomes all to the shared journey.
"Echoes of Experience" stands as a testament to the power of digital storytelling in bridging personal narratives with archival treasures, creating an evocative space for reflection on the shared aspects of the migrant experience.
Valentina Rodríguez, born in Bogotá, Colombia (1998), is currently pursuing an MA in Time-based Media at Kunstuniversität Linz, Austria, following her Bachelor's in Fine Arts from the National University of Colombia.
Recognized for her artistic achievements, Valentina received the second prize at Premio Arte Jovén 2021. Her work has been featured in group exhibitions, including those by Nueveochenta Gallery and prestigious film festivals like ANIMEX and CINETORO. With a focus on archive material and found footage, Valentina explores image duality through various techniques like painting, engraving, drawing, and analog animation. Her art consciously blurs the lines between reality and fiction, offering a unique perspective on the past.
Recognized for her artistic achievements, Valentina received the second prize at Premio Arte Jovén 2021. Her work has been featured in group exhibitions, including those by Nueveochenta Gallery and prestigious film festivals like ANIMEX and CINETORO. With a focus on archive material and found footage, Valentina explores image duality through various techniques like painting, engraving, drawing, and analog animation. Her art consciously blurs the lines between reality and fiction, offering a unique perspective on the past.