When I first heard about Firelei Báez’s work around 2016, it was through a mutual friend and artist, Lorella Paleni. Lorella is someone I deeply admire—not just for her enchanting painting practice but also for her intelligence, her thoughtful life choices, and the way she navigates the world. Every conversation I have with her leaves me inspired and energized. It’s the same feeling I experienced when I stepped into Firelei Báez’s exhibit for the first time at the Vancouver Art Gallery.
Since its opening on November 3 2024, I’ve visited the exhibit three times, and I’m already planning my next trip (Yay membership!). Each visit feels like peeling back another layer of meaning and beauty, discovering something new in her intricate works. For those unfamiliar with Báez, her art is rich with cultural symbols, drawing on a range of influences from her Afro-Caribbean heritage to global histories of resistance and identity. The exhibit feels like an invitation to decode and connect, leaving space for personal interpretation while celebrating shared narratives.
As a Latin American living in Vancouver, this exhibit strikes a deeply personal chord. It’s rare to encounter work that so vividly resonates with my identity and cultural background in this city. Seeing Báez’s art in this space makes me feel seen, and it fills me with excitement about the influence exhibitions like this can have on the local art scene. They expand the dialogue, creating room for diverse voices and stories that deserve to be told.
This personal connection is also why I feel so honored to collaborate with VLACC (the Vancouver Latin American Cultural Centre) and the Vancouver Art Gallery on two upcoming events tied to this exhibit:
January 21st: I’ll be leading a Community Art Tour, exploring Báez’s work and its many layers of meaning.
March 8th: I’ll have the privilege of moderating a panel that dives even deeper into the themes and significance of her art.
These opportunities mean so much to me—not just as an art historian and educator but as someone who understands the importance of representation and storytelling in art. I hope these events create a space for dialogue, reflection, and connection, much like Báez’s work itself.
If you haven’t yet visited the exhibit, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a chance to experience art that challenges, inspires, and uplifts—art that leaves an indelible mark long after you’ve left the gallery. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to engage with Firelei Báez’s visionary work. On view until March 16 2025.
