Carlos Fentanes

So, I was invited for an exhibition next summer with the theme: Contemporary Ex-Votos and I have to send an image by February 12 in order to be included in the catalog.

But what is an Ex-Voto and what is its relevance? According to Wikipedia :

An ex-voto is a votive offering to a saint or to a divinity; the term is usually restricted to Christian examples. It is given in fulfillment of a vow (hence the Latin term, short for ex voto suscepto, “from the vow made”) or in gratitude or devotion.

Ex-votos are placed in a church or chapel where the worshiper seeks grace or wishes to give thanks.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ex-voto

There’s a tradition in Mexico and perhaps in most of Latin American countries to make a promise as an exchange (or barter?) for a favor with a divinity or saint. Once the “miracle” is done the person who made the promise paint a scene of the miracle and place it in a chapel as a witness of the promise. So, this paintings, usually folk art has been a source of inspiration and study from scholastics and artists.

This gallery asked me to make an artwork based in this tradition and the actual situation with the pandemic.

Now I’m 32 days from the deadline and I don’t think I can make it so I asked the gallery for an extension, let’s see what happens.