For her first solo exhibition at Richard Heller Gallery, Ana Barriga brings her whimsical touch to Los Angeles. In a magnetic display of technical and narrative ability, Carta a mi sirena (Letter to My Mermaid) nurtures a space for play and irony, leaving room for imagination to flourish in unexpected ways.
The exhibition centers on the mysterious power of luck, embodied through an amulet – a sweet and sought-after strawberry heart. From a vegan, vampire merman to a two-faced actress, each work introduces a new member from her cast of fantastical characters, revealing their relatable personalities in the process. In “Carlita,” a character confides that her dream of becoming a DJ and producer keeps her up at night. Meanwhile, “The Owner” figures a mermaid protector of the strawberry heart. “When everyone found out that a strawberry heart was beating in my chest, they came to hunt me,” she explains, though the pain and punctures left her with motivation to quit smoking.
With oil, enamel, markers, and spray paint, Barriga builds a world of her own, rich in personality and wit. Capturing the humor and struggle behind her clashing personas, the artist leaves us with a candid portrait of humanity – what we’ll give and take from one another if it means we can achieve our desired fate.
Carta a mi sirena (Letter to My Mermaid) is now on view through December 14, 2024.
Richard Heller Gallery
2525 Michigan Ave B-5A,
Santa Monica, CA.
90404
