In June 1985, the Viña Cultural Corporation settled in its current operations center at Arlegui 683, in the so-called Sala Viña del Mar, one of the most important art galleries in our country. This emblematic space has witnessed the first book fairs in the city and is constantly in demand by national and foreign artists and promising figures who present their creations and open a space for themselves in the artistic field.
“The historical importance of the Viña del Mar Hall is related to the preponderant role it has had since 1985 in the dissemination and promotion of art and culture not only in Viña, but at a regional level,” explains Cristián Hormazabal, Director of the Viña Cultural Corporation. “Therefore, it becomes an important pole, due to the number of years that the Corporation has been managing the Chamber beyond its geographical location.”
Within its history of activities, the Cultural Corporation is distinguished by the organization of two events of notable relevance in the field of exhibition and promotion of the visual arts: the “National Painting Salon”, which has held 38 editions, and the “International Watercolor Watercolor Biennial”, which has had 10 iterations to date. In addition, the “Pan de mi Alma” contest, which was carried out during the pandemic period, is added to this outstanding work, thus consolidating its continued commitment to the promotion and dissemination of art in various manifestations.
Within this framework, the Exhibition “Pictorial Collection of the Cultural Corporation of Viña del Mar” is erected with the purpose of contributing to the visual arts sector, presenting a tribute to sixty years of visual heritage history, under the tutelage of renowned regional artists. and with the inclusion of both national and foreign proposals that have enriched the cultural scene of the Valparaíso region and the national artistic panorama. This exhibition, in addition to reflecting an open curatorial line, offers a selection of works that transcend languages, styles and techniques, giving an account of artistic trends and movements throughout different eras. It is more than just an exhibition; It is a tribute to six decades of visual history, a tribute to the artists who have left an indelible mark on the cultural scene of Valparaíso and a recognition of those national and foreign creators whose work has enriched the country’s artistic panorama.
“The most important aspects for selecting the works were their roots in the city, the fact that they were exhibited in the Sala Viña, and their temporality,” the Director continues to explain. “Many painters have studied in Viña del Mar or, in the case of Hans Soyka’s self-portrait from 1949, time makes it heritage.”
With a curatorship that embraces the diversity of languages, styles and techniques, this exhibition offers a captivating journey through the different artistic currents that have marked eras and movements. Thus, among the artists who will be part of the exhibition are Edgardo Catalán, Bruna Solari, Hans Soyka, Carlos Perot, Tole Peralta, among others.
“They arrived in different ways,” Hormazabal responds when asked how the works ended up in the hands of the Corporation. “The authors give or donate a work with each exhibition that is presented in the Sala Viña del Mar. This makes the collection grow and increase over time, whether in technique, painters and styles.”
This project was financed by the National Fund for Cultural Development and the Arts, Valparaíso Region, Call 2024, of the Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Heritage.
“The importance of the exhibition at the regional level is significant,” insists the Director. “Many painters currently exhibited have had ties to Viña del Mar, which gives them important heritage roots. These artists, some of whom were born in Villa Alemana or Quilpué, have studied the Viña del Mar School of Fine Arts and consider the city as a crucial element to exhibit their work, especially since the Viña room assumed a relevant role. since 1985.”
This exhibition is a living testimony to the cultural legacy of the Viña del Mar Cultural Corporation and a reminder of its continuing mission to enrich the life of the community through art, culture and heritage. Opening its doors to the public on Thursday, May 9, the Exhibition “Pictorial Collection of the Cultural Corporation of Viña del Mar” not only offers a space for aesthetic contemplation, but also represents a renewed commitment to the dissemination and promotion of the arts visuals.
