Up Next at the Firehouse Gallery

ARTIST:	Choco (Eduardo Roco Salazar)
EXHIBITION:	Retazos del Sol Traces of the Sun
DATES:	May 9 -June 23, 2013
OPENING:	Artist Reception Thursday, May 9, 6-9pm
ARTIST TALK:	Artist Talk, Saturday, May 11, 3pm
LOCATION:	ValleyArts Firehouse Gallery 580 Forest Street Orange NJ 07050

Orange NJ --World-renowned Afro-Cuban artist, Eduardo Roca (Choco), is coming to the Valley Arts District in New Jersey for the opening of his upcoming art exhibition, Retazos del Sol (Traces of the Sun).  Choco, who lives and works in Havana, is one of Cuba's most important artists and is internationally recognized for his collagraphs, ceramics, and oils. Co-produced by Latin Art Space and ValleyArts Firehouse Gallery, the exhibition will showcase a fabulous mixed-media installation, Yemayá, Goddess of the Sea, first shown at the 2012 Havana Biennial, as well as other three-dimensional works and his coveted collagraphs.  The opening reception on May 9 will be hosted by the Firehouse Gallery in the Valley Arts District.
  
Curated by Astrid Martinez-Jones of Latin Art Space, Retazos del Sol is a series of works representative of contemporary Cuban life and culture. Many of Choco's works reflect the magical world of Afro-Cuban religions, as well as the ethnic mix of people, and the racial and economic challenges of daily Cuban life. Choco's art is boldly colorful and his technique gives the images a 3-dimensional and stunning textured feel, as if they were in motion. This movement is sustained in Choco's interpretation of the figures themselves, as they twist, reach, sway, swim, and gaze. The sharp contrast of colors - at times from the earth, at others from the sea - responds to his particular symbolism and to a very personal lyricism, which establishes an emotional connection with the viewer. He displays a passion for diversity and admiration for societies with a rich mixture of ethnic, racial and cultural backgrounds, such as those found in Cuba, the United States, and Brazil. 

As is evident in Choco's work, and particularly in his collagraphs, his various artistic techniques provide an opportunity for a tremendous scope of innovation and experiment.  Collagraphy is a printmaking technique which Choco incorporates in many of his artworks.  In a collagraph, the original image is composed from a variety of materials placed on a plate, then inked and pressed. These materials, often discarded remnants, are recycled by Choco and turned into pulsating images that beckon to be touched.
  
Choco was born in Santiago de Cuba in 1949 and is a graduate of the Escuela Nacional de Arte (National Art School) in Havana. There have been two crucial moments in Choco´s career. The first, when he was recognized as one of the leading figures of the rural movement in painting which was significant in shaping the '70s generation of Cuban artists. The second was his exploration of collagraphy in the '80s and early '90s, an achievement that has awarded him the distinction, master of collagraphy. 

Choco was one of the first Cuban artists invited to the United States to exhibit his work in 1980, after the 1959 Cuban revolution.  He has had numerous solo and group shows in Cuba, Angola, Sweden, the United States, Mexico, Spain, Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Tokyo, receiving many accolades and awards. A most important honor for him was winning the Great Prize in the Triennial of Kochi, Japan. Choco's works can be found in many private and public collections, including:  Museo de Bellas Artes, Havana; African Museum of Art, Chicago; Miró Foundation, Spain; Ludwig Foundation, Germany; Kochi Museum, Japan; El Museo de la Estampa, Mexico; and Casa Lamm, Mexico, amongst others.

In his Taller del Sol (Workshop of the Sun) in Old Havana, art collectors, museum curators, and gallery owners come from all over the world to experience the magic of his artwork.  Choco's visit to the New York Metropolitan Area will afford viewers a rare opportunity to experience his work first hand, and to engage in informative conversations with the artist.  

About the ValleyArts Firehouse Gallery

ValleyArts Firehouse Gallery is curated and managed by Valley Arts Inc., Richard T. Bryant executive director, Gayle Mahoney, arts advisor. The Firehouse Gallery was opened last December and now offers a regular series of exhibitions that are free and open to the public.  The Gallery is housed in an historic Orange Firehouse that was recently renovated by HANDS, Inc. The Firehouse contains six artist live/work spaces. Adjacent to the Firehouse Gallery is a large private common space that the Gallery and Firehouse residents program.

The ValleyArts Firehouse Gallery is located at 580 Forest Street, Orange NJ 07050. For more information please visit http://www.valleyartsnj.com  

More about ValleyArts Inc. and the Valley Arts District

Located on the border of Orange and West Orange around the Highland Avenue Train Station, the Valley Arts District is a fifteen-square block area dedicated to the arts and creativity. As an arts service and activist organization, the highest priorities of ValleyArts Inc. are to inspire the neighborhood to recognize the arts as essential to community health and vitality; help build up and serve individual artists, arts organizations, and creative entrepreneurs; and encourage everyone to participate in arts, culture, and creativity as part of everyday life. To propel this mission, ValleyArts Inc. seeks to attract, serve, and support artists and creative organizations to work and live in the Valley Arts District.  

"A strong creative spirit continues to build here," said Richard T. Bryant, executive director of ValleyArts Inc. "This is a real grassroots effort that involves artists, neighbors, teens, government, community leaders, educators, funders, and many more that see creativity and innovation as an engine of vibrancy and sustainable growth." 

ValleyArts Inc. is closely allied with HANDS, Inc., a nonprofit organization that combines strategic real estate investment and community organizing to revitalize communities. Development of the Valley Arts District has been a cornerstone project of HANDS, Inc. for more than a decade. 

ValleyArts Inc. is a nonprofit organization funded in part by JPMorgan Chase Foundation, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Kresge Foundation, PSE&G, Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs, Wells Fargo Regional Foundation, Orange Orphan Society, Andy Warhol Foundation, Community Foundation of New Jersey, and others. The membership roster includes visual and performing artists, creative entrepreneurs, area businesses, audiences, art buyers, and community members.

For more information about the exhibition, press photos, or to arrange an interview with the artist please contact Astrid Martinez-Jones at: latinartspace@gmail.com or 973-715-0427.

For more information about the ValleyArts Firehouse Gallery and the Valley Arts District, please contact Richard T. Bryant at: richard@fohservices or 973-886-5118.