The work of artist and educator Andrea Amaya is currently on display in Río Cuarto, Córdoba, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the prevailing sense of uncertainty often found in contemporary discourse. Amaya’s exhibition, titled ‘Un arte feliz… realidad íntima y necesaria’ (A Happy Art… an Intimate and Necessary Reality), isn’t simply an aesthetic offering. it’s a deliberate invitation to focus on the small joys that often go unnoticed in daily life. This exploration of affirmative thinking, inspired in part by the Dalai Lama’s philosophy, is resonating with viewers seeking a more positive perspective. The exhibition, which runs until the end of March, marks Amaya’s second showing in her native province.
For over two decades, Amaya has lived and worked in Merlo, a city in Buenos Aires Province, balancing a career in higher education with her artistic practice. She holds a degree in Art, a master’s degree from a university in Spain, and is currently pursuing a doctorate. Her academic background informs her art, but it’s her response to the current social climate that truly drives this latest body of work. “I’ve noticed a lot of negativity, sadness, and uncertainty in the news lately,” Amaya explained. “I feel that doesn’t do us any good, socially or culturally.” She believes art provides a crucial outlet for collective expression and a means of highlighting experiences that are often overlooked.
Central to Amaya’s approach is a recurring, almost autobiographical figure: a red-haired woman who serves as both alter ego and guide for the viewer. This character doesn’t offer grand solutions, but rather points towards the beauty in everyday moments – listening to music, observing nature, enjoying a cup of coffee, engaging in conversation, walking in the rain, reading a book, or simply spending time with pets. These seemingly small pleasures, Amaya argues, are the most valuable aspects of life, often overshadowed by the relentless pace of modern existence. The preparation for the exhibition itself became an exercise in self-care and a conscious effort to cultivate well-being through these simple routines.
A Technique Rooted in History and Experimentation
The exhibition at the Casa de la Cultura de Río Cuarto features a diverse range of works, from small-scale illustrations with vibrant floral motifs to larger pieces reminiscent of still life paintings. These larger works often depict everyday objects – coffee pots, vases, tablecloths – but with a deliberate departure from realism. Amaya prioritizes the pleasure of drawing and experimentation, particularly with the ancient technique of encaustic painting. She began exploring encaustic during the pandemic as part of her doctoral research.
Encaustic painting, as the name suggests (“painting with fire”), involves using heated beeswax to which colored pigments are added. The molten wax is then applied to a surface, creating a unique texture, and luminosity. The Metropolitan Museum of Art provides a detailed overview of the encaustic process and its history, tracing its use back to ancient Egypt and Greece.
Amaya’s pieces also incorporate fragments of her own writing, integrated into scenes of quiet enjoyment. These textual elements, combined with materials like charcoal and chalk, are often inspired by her experiences in Merlo, particularly visits to local tea houses. The combination of visual and textual elements adds another layer of intimacy and invites viewers to contemplate their own experiences of everyday joy.
From Education to Artistic Expression
Amaya’s commitment to education is as strong as her dedication to her art. She currently teaches at the Universidad Nacional de los Comechingones, where she leads courses in Drawing and Painting, Drawing and Sculpture, and Introduction to Heritage. She also teaches at the Instituto Monseñor Orzali, at both the secondary and higher education levels. Her background in education informs her artistic practice, and vice versa, creating a synergistic relationship between theory and practice.
Beyond teaching, Amaya is an active researcher and extension worker, focusing on socio-educational policies and projects. She holds a master’s degree in Cultural Project Management from the Universidad del Atlántico in Spain and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Education at UNINI in Mexico. Her research interests lie at the intersection of humanities, education, and visual arts, reflecting a holistic approach to learning and creative expression.
A Call for Affirmation in a Challenging World
The exhibition at the Casa de la Cultura de Río Cuarto, selected through a call for submissions by the Agencia Córdoba Cultura, provides a spacious and fitting environment for Amaya’s work. The show’s success speaks to a growing desire for art that offers solace and hope, rather than simply reflecting the anxieties of the present moment. Amaya’s work isn’t about ignoring the challenges of the world, but about finding moments of beauty and joy within them, and encouraging others to do the same. The exhibition remains open to the public until the end of March, offering a timely reminder to appreciate the simple pleasures in life.
Looking ahead, Amaya will continue her doctoral research and teaching commitments, further exploring the intersection of art, education, and well-being. Her work serves as a powerful example of how artistic expression can be a force for positive change, both on a personal and societal level.
What are your thoughts on the role of art in promoting well-being? Share your perspective in the comments below, and please share this article with others who might find inspiration in Andrea Amaya’s work.
