Instituto Cervantes of Albuquerque, NM
Nov 21-Feb 20, 2015
Opening reception Nov 21, 5:30-8:30pm
I’m in Albuquerque this weekend for the opening reception – at the Instituto Cervantes – of my traveling group show, VAIVEN.
I’ll be giving a talk from 4pm-5pm about the Alleys & Ruins series.
The six photographers in the show are all Spanish born or of Spanish heritage (like myself) and our work reflects influence from both Spain and the US. The exhibit was curated by the Embassy of Spain.
The reception is from 5:30pm-8:30pm – there’ll be lots of yummy tapas, and lots of yummy drinks. If you are in the area, please drop by! It is free and open to the public.
The exhibition runs to Feb 20, 2015. The show began in Washington DC in Nov 2013 and travelled to NYC before stopping in Albuquerque. It has had a very successful run so far, being featured in over a dozen press stories nationally and internationally, including in the Washington Post.
Alleys & Ruins (Callejones y Ruinas) es una exploración fotográfica de la decadencia urbana en América. El proyecto, iniciado en 1991 por el artista Xavier Nuez, se encuentra ahora en su 21 año y ha dado lugar a viajes por barrios peligrosos. Nuez ha trabajado con bandas callejeras, ha sido abordado por drogadictos enloquecidos. A menudo es interrogado y buscado por la policía. Nuez y su familia han sufrido la pobreza de primera mano, y de allí que el artista haya desarrollado una necesidad de crear monumentos de estos espacios rechazados. Siempre positivo, Nuez afirma que las percepciones de la vida no son buenas cuando se asocia con el grave deterioro urbano, y por ello se siente obligado a dignificar lo que ha sido rechazado. El New York Times ha denominado Alleys & Ruins (Callejones y Ruinas) como una 'obra maestra'. Las fotos han sido tomadas por la noche, con una cámara Hasselblad de más de 50 años. Nuez añade luz, color y textura a los lugares más deprimidos.
– Big Studio Sale Dec 12 –
Fri, Dec 12, 6pm-10pm (during the monthly 2nd Friday artwalk)
My studio address: 1932 S. Halsted St, #402, Chicago
– What is the Studio Sale? –
I’ll be offering many discontinued, or slightly damaged pieces at hugely discounted prices, 50-90% off. I have to clear space for much of my newer pieces… and there are too many sale pieces to list.
Christmas gifts… hello!!
There will be images from many bodies of work – Alleys & Ruins – Crystals – Glam Bugs – Landscapes – Flowers
Lots of free street parking is available!
– What is 2nd Friday? –
My studio and gallery, along with 30 other studios in the area will be open to the public. The event is a unique self-guided walking tour of the intimate world of the working artist. Come by for some art, music, drinks and snacks…
Visit the Chicago Art District for the monthly 2nd Friday artwalk
If you want to purchase larger pieces and you’d like to discuss images and options, a good time to arrive is between 6 and 8pm when it is more peaceful.
More info on 2nd Fridays
– Learn how I do my night lighting – I’ll teach you the tricks that took me years to develop – Held in my studio – one hour of pp presentations/explanations/demonstrations – three hours of students shooting and lighting a set
Saturday, Dec 6, 10am-2pm
This class always sells out so register now!
Cost: $150
The class will be limited to 12 students.
– To Reserve Your Spot –
You will need to pay in advance to be confirmed in the class.
Send me an email or call… x@nuez.com – 510-648-6810
– VISA, MasterCard, Discover, Paypal, Checks:
For security, the credit card number can be either emailed in 2 parts, to x@nuez.com or you can call me 510-648-6810
– PayPal – let me know and I’ll email you a paypal invoice
– Checks – mail it to 1932 S Halsted St, #402, Chicago IL 60608
– What To Expect –
This is a very fun 4-hour class focusing on my night lighting technique – very useful whether you are a beginner or pro. It is held in my comfortable studio, just 2 miles south of downtown, at 1932 S. Halsted St, #402, Chicago. And there is plenty of free street parking!
I’ll explain and show you in detail how I create my night images. This will be followed by an extensive hands-on workshop where I dim the lights and you create photographs using my equipment and my guidance. Your images will be projected and we’ll discuss them, then we’ll keep on shooting.
My technique is also perfect for creating fabulous portraits, which you will also learn to do!
This class will not disappoint!!
There is no need to bring your camera or lights. I’ll have a digital camera on a tripod and you will all have turns with my lights, taking photos and looking at the results projected on the wall.
Bring a USB Flash Drive and I’ll transfer your images for you to take home.
My class fills up with both pros and novices. My lighting technique is very unusual yet very simple to learn, so it doesn’t matter how much or how little you know, you will be able to create a very different and exciting type of image when we’re done.
– Let my students tell you –
Thank you Xavier for opening up not only your studio but also your bag of tricks for us. I have been a fan for many years and when I heard about your workshop I knew I had to be there. A friend and I drove up from Kansas City, an 8 hour one way drive to attend. After going to the workshop, we both concluded it was the best money we have ever spent. I can’t wait to go out and create my works of art using what I learned. Thanks for sharing, I hope to do you proud. – Rich Lockhart
“Xavier, your workshop today was great and worth every penny I spent. Excellent insight into how you create your beautiful work. And an inspiration. I’m a portrait photographer but some of your Alley & Ruin techniques are a wonderful addition to my coffer of photographic tools.” – Detlef Koertge
“By far the best workshop I have ever been to! Teaching, then allowing the students to utilize the information learned immediately really allowed all the students to grasp the concept! (This also gave me a new appreciation for the art that Xavier takes the time to create! This is no joke folks! This art takes true talent to create!) Also, it was wonderful to meet other passionate photographers! Thanks again!” – Kira Here