Artist and Educator Ignacio Font will present a solo exhibition at the FIU Green Library, showcasing a comprehensive collection of works created exclusively in his studio at collaboARTive over the past eight years. The exhibition, titled Self Care: Mineral Spirits, Elixirs, and other Home Remedies will feature large format oil paintings, mixed media works on paper, smaller paintings, and a photograph installation. The opening event will take place on Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 3 PM to 5 PM.
The exhibition aims to illustrate the profound influence a studio environment has on an artist’s practice and the therapeutic effects of a sustained artistic process on the artist's wellbeing. Ignacio Font’s evocative emotional landscapes have been meticulously developed over time through the digging and scratching of life experiences. Through self-reflection and contemplation, the artist’s work emerges as palliative cures found in the painting process.
Join us for an afternoon of art and conversation, and experience the compelling works of Ignacio Font. Presented in partnership by FIU Special Collections and collaboARTive, this exhibition promises to be a profound exploration of the artist's inner world and the healing power of creativity.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Ignacio Font was born to Cuban parents in Puerto Rico, where he began his artistic exploration. From a young age, Ignacio felt like an outsider, disconnected from his family, neighborhood, and school. A visit to New York at age 10 and an encounter with a Jackson Pollock painting provided him with a sense of belonging he had never felt before. This pivotal moment contrasts sharply with the disjointed feeling of his life, becoming a driving force in his works.
Ignacio later moved to Miami, further intensifying his feelings of disconnection. Despite these challenges, his passion for art persisted. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Florida International University, following a major change from Computer Science, inspired by an insightful Art History teacher. Ignacio continued his education at the School for Visual Arts in New York, where he earned his MFA.
Currently, Ignacio resides in Miami, teaching art at a private school and creating work whenever and wherever possible. He is also the co-founder of collaboARTive and serves as the Chair of the Board.
About collaboARTive
CollaboARTive is a dynamic hub for artists and creatives, fostering collaboration and innovation. Co-founded by Ignacio Font, the organization is dedicated to supporting artists at all stages of their careers, providing a space for artistic growth and community engagement.
About FIU Special Collections
The mission of Special Collections is to acquire, arrange, describe, preserve and provide access to rare, unique and out of print of materials and interdisciplinary collections pertaining to the geographic, national and cultural regions of Latin America, the Caribbean, Miami and Florida to augment the research needs of patrons from the University and the wider community.
The mission of the University Archives is to serve as the repository of the official records relating to the founding, development of and future plans for Florida International University. These documents will provide researchers, within and outside the university, information to study the activities of all facets of FIU.