Magdalena Dávila Salinas
Statement
My story, like everyone's, is made up of the experiences I have lived; from sensory perceptions to physical experiences, and others I suppose. I remember that in the family home there were always seasonal fruits on the table; when entering the house if it was December you could breathe the aroma of cinnamon, orange, guavas and in summer of apple and peaches. Bodegon-style paintings were always hung around the living room walls; sometimes changed from one corner to another but they were always there. Those objects were part of our daily family life, and although they are still there we stop seeing them. In the daily transit of life I realize that there are situations, even with details that are sometimes despicable, that we totally ignore, we see them but we don't see them. Like the bodegon paintings they become part of an environment that we now ignore, prefer to ignore. The series of paintings Habitual Landscapes takes up a discourse on this phenomenon in which we stop seeing with conscience.
The main elements of this series are bodegon-style still life paintings painted with tempera. I strategically and secretly collaged cut out figures from magazines that I collected over the years regarding social and political events in my country. The full series is composed of 12 pieces.
Bio
Magda Davila (Saltillo, Coah, MX) lives and works in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, she is a multidisciplinary visual artist specializing in engraving. Davila completed her art studies at School of Visual Arts Ruben Herrera, UAdeC. Davila completed the program Professional Practices in Contemporary Art at the Museum of Graphic Arts under the mentorship of the National System of Creators. Davila has completed numerous courses in engraving, including: Workshop on plastic and graphic experimentation with the master Ismael Guardado; Engraving Workshop Julio Ruelas with Alejandro Nava. Davila also took workshops on techniques and materials with Margaret Krug, professor at the New School, NY.
Davila’s work has been recognized nationally and internationally; 3rd place, I Biennial of Painting and Engraving Ángel Zárraga (2010). Selection at the IV International Biennial of Contemporary Sacred Art(2015);and at the I Biennial of Painting and Engraving Ángel Zárraga (2012). Obtains state scholarship for Young Creators (FECAC 1994-1995).
With a long history of solo and group exhibitions, Davila’s work has been exhibited in Mexico, the US, and Europe. Highlights: I am the others -Self-portraits in the common, Museo Textil de Oaxaca, Oaxaca (2013); Bulls Drawing, printmaking and painting, Museo Taurino, Saltillo,(2009); Ciudad Magdala Tintas, engraving and drawing, Pedro Coronel Zacatecas Museum, Zac. (2003); The Window Painting on panel, and Open studio X 5, New York (2002); Estampas Kikapoo, Legislative Palace of San Lázaro Mexico City (2001).
As a cultural promoter, Davila's trajectory includes the development of an active cultural activity in the community, curatorial projects, and museography. As well as, developing appreciation programs for new audiences. Signator and promoter to change the Law of Culture of Coahuila (2011-2012). She currently serves as Director of Visual Arts at the Municipal Institute of Culture Saltillo.