With allá y acá translating to here and there, and derived from the word hallaca, this project pays homage to the traditional tamale dish hallaca—as an art installation + food experience. Join us in this intimate gathering where you can get a taste of Venezuelan gastronomy while immersing yourself in the stories behind them. As a special parting gift, you will receive a mystery art print that can only be received from attending. Open Bar is available and sponsored by Ten to One.
Created by artist Eli Paola Vargas, this food experience and art activation will be accompanied by the artist’s two grandmothers Ana Ramirez, Lucy Elena Acurero and her great aunt Laura Acurero, who are traveling from Miami and Colombia.
All proceeds will be going directly to NYC Migrant Solidarity and Fund. Amigos del Adolescente. // @nycmigrantsolidarity @fundamadvenezuela
Eli Paola Vargas is a craft-based artist from Miami, FL, currently living and working in Brooklyn, NY. Her mediums ranges from collage, jewelry-making, and sculpture. Her art practice also engages in activating space through to leading workshops, curating, and creating food experiences. During the pandemic, Eli devoted her time to learning the tactile knowledge of polymer clay. What started as an exploration for creating large funky-shaped earrings, quickly turned into making miniature dinner tables. Using miniature furniture, fabric, and clay, these works displayed dishes she had growing up in my Colombian-Venezuelan household. As she tapped into the concept of food, she hosted her first collage-making dinner party for 31 guests. With the help of close friends, they served a series of five-course meals for each guest.
As her work continues, she is looking for ways in which slow-crafting, cooking, and memorabilia can intersect in her work.
