Blind Artist Manuel Solano′s First Solo Exhibition In Seoul

By Nao Yim

Nov 24, 2023 2 Year ago

▲ Big Bird, Acrylic on canvas, 180x150cm, 2023 ⓒ Manuel Solano, Peres Project

Manuel Solano, a blind artist holds her first solo exhibition, 'Pijama' in Seoul from the 30th.

The artist lost her sight in 2014 at the age of 27 due to complications of HIV while studying art in Mexico. She thought she could no longer work, but she created a team to help her and developed her unique way of drawing artwork.

She relies on touch to paint, such as placing nails, pins, and strings on the canvas. The artist said, "After losing sight, I realized I had to paint with a sense of touch" and added, "Touch, communication, and trust are my most important three ingredients to paint."

▲ Jake, Oil pastels and acrylic on canvas, 60x46cm, 2019 ⓒ Manuel Solano, Peres Project

The artist is an acquired blind person who draws on the theme of the world she saw before became disabled. Memories with strangers, family, and friends she encountered in her daily life become the subject of her paintings.

Like an archaeologist, she digs out memories from her memories and draws them on the canvas through collaboration with her team members.

▲ In The Metro Or She's Not Pretty, Acrylic on canvas, 180x140cm, 2018 ⓒ Manuel Solano, Peres Project

The exhibition is the artist's second solo exhibition with the Peres Project and the first in South Korea. The Peres Project has three branches in Berlin, Germany, Seoul, Korea, and Milan, Italy, sponsoring and discovering emerging artists from all over the world.

The exhibition will be held from the 30th to January 14th next year at Peres Project Korea located in Jongro-gu, Seoul.