GR2: Banana Flats - Ako Castuera Reception Photos

When an exhibition of work by Ako Castuera takes place, it always settles into a cozy family affair. The evening isn't just an art exhibition, it's one featuring food, beverages, friends, family, and a special event - "Ako's Pockets". In case you missed the opening, for a mere $5, you have an opportunity to dip your hands into Ako's pockets, each containing a tiny and precious object created by her hands. Her thoughtfulness of creating an opportunity for a friend, fan, or family to interact with her and at the same time, walk away with a tiny piece of original work is extra ordinary. 

Ako's art work continues to evolve. A couple of years ago, the word, "Pre-Columbian" was thrown around to describe her efforts. Today, it's seldom used and instead, the work is now an elegant hybrid of ancient meeting modern. Some pieces are gilded, some have a peculiar touch of orange, and many are now glossy. It's evolving faster than I can comprehend.

I'm sorry to say that I can't offer the true justice of an explanation that her work deserves. It's still processing in me. Yet, I can say that I'm proud to host this exhibition and it's among my favorites of all GR2 installations. I'd also add that Ako's work makes me want to create and I'm also certain that it leads many to do the same. 

I want to thank the many artists who visited (kozyndan, Shizu Saldamando, Sean Chao, Len Higa, Hellen Jo, Saelee Oh, Mari Inukai, Money Mark, Yoskay Yamamoto, Edwin Ushiro, and of course there were so many more). 

See more photographs of the Banana Flats reception at our flickr page. I'm still not 100% sure if this is how we'll be displaying photo sets as of right now, but for now, we hope this suffices. 

Also if you're still reading, we intend to have a closing event for Banana Flats Sunday Sept 28th. Stay tuned for the time and what's in store.