TWO CULTURES, ONE SAME SPIRIT

Museo Costumbrista, La Paz, Bolivia

May 16 – June 30, 2014

The dance of the Wakatokoris of Ilabaya in Bolivia and the Pow Wow of the First Nations of Canada lead me to think about the similarities and differences between the two cultures. There is an obvious common spiritual tradition and reverence for nature, the spirits of the mountains and of the animals. I hope this photographic can convey this intangible connection of two cultures and one same spirit.

TWO WORLDS, ONE SPIRIT | DEUX MONDES, UN ESPRIT

Musée des maîtres et artisans du Québec, Montréal, QC (www.mmaq.qc.ca)

September 14 – October 16, 2011

This exhibition merges the worlds of the Canadian Arctic with the Bolivian Andes. Although these worlds are geographically distant, common threads of culture, spirituality and landscape find their way into the artistic expression and creativity of the artist. Employing bronze sculpture and photography, Ivar Mendez brings the spiritual energy of the Canadian Arctic and the Bolivian Andes into visual synergy.

IMAGES OF MY BACKYARD

Avon Emporium, Summerville, Nova Scotia, Canada

September 14 – October 16, 2011

This exhibition focused on the visual rhytms of the Minas Basin, Nova Scotia, Canada. 34 photographs depicting the natural beauty of the sky, land and sea of the village of Cheverie and its surroundings were presented.

The images of my backyard have not only been a source of delightful memories, but have taught me to appreciate the generous gifts of nature that often go unnoticed as we go about our busy lives. They have inspired me and given me a sense of harmony with the universe.

MEMORIES OF THE ANDES

Multicultural Art Gallery, Pier 21 , Hallifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

September 14 – October 16, 2011

The exhibit is a collection of 31 photographs and eight cast bronze sculptures – all reflections of the land and people of Bolivia. The photographs taken during travels through the Andes – from high-altitude desers to volcanoes and emerald green terraced villages – provide a rich context for the bronze-cast sculptures, mainly gods of nature.